Top 10 Lowest Graduation Rate Colleges in the US

When it comes to choosing a college, understanding graduation rates is a crucial factor for prospective students. Colleges with low graduation rates often face unique challenges, such as financial constraints, non-traditional student demographics, and limited resources. Among the lowest graduation rate colleges in the US, institutions like Harris-Stowe State University, University of Maryland Global Campus, and East Georgia State College have reported rates as low as 6% to 8%. These colleges serve diverse populations, including working adults, first-generation students, and transfer-focused learners. While their graduation rates might seem alarming, their missions focus on providing affordable, accessible education to underserved communities. This blog delves into the challenges and characteristics of these colleges, offering insights into their unique roles in higher education. 

How Are Graduation Rates Calculated in the US? 

Graduation rates are a key metric for evaluating the success of higher education institutions, providing insights into how well colleges and universities support students in completing their degrees. These rates help prospective students, families, and policymakers assess institutional performance and make informed decisions. They also indicate the challenges that institutions face in retaining and graduating students.  Graduation rates measure the percentage of first-time, full-time students who complete their degree within a specified timeframe. For a four-year program, the standard timeframe is six years (150% of the expected duration). For a two-year program, it’s three years. Here’s a detailed table that summarizes the steps involved in calculating graduation rates: 

Factors Influencing Low Graduation Rates in US Colleges 

Graduation rates can be affected by a range of institutional, financial, and personal factors. Colleges with the lowest graduation rates often face challenges that impact students’ ability to complete their degrees on time. Following are the major reasons for low graduation rates in US colleges: 

1. Financial Constraints: Many students face financial barriers, including high tuition fees and limited access to financial aid. These pressures can force students to take on part-time jobs, delaying their graduation or causing them to drop out entirely. 
2. Academic Preparedness: Students who enter college underprepared for the academic rigor may struggle to keep up, particularly in schools with limited support services. 
3. Institutional Support: Low graduation rate colleges often lack adequate resources such as tutoring centers, career counseling, and mental health support, which are critical for student success. 
4. Social Challenges: For some students, adjusting to college life can be difficult. A lack of community, inadequate housing, or limited extracurricular opportunities can lead to disengagement and withdrawal. 
5. High Transfer Rates: Colleges with a high percentage of students transferring to other institutions may show lower graduation rates, even if those students eventually complete their degrees elsewhere. 

Top 10 Colleges with the Lowest Graduation Rates in the US  

Graduation rates are a crucial measure of a college’s ability to guide its students toward degree completion. In the US, while many institutions boast high success rates, some colleges struggle to retain students and see them through to graduation. Below are the top 10 colleges with the lowest graduation rates in the US:  

Western International University

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Western International University has consistently been cited as one of the lowest graduation rate colleges in the country. The school offers flexible, online-centric programs targeting working adults, but these programs often struggle with student retention and completion rates. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of just 2% for bachelor’s degree programs. This startling figure makes it an outlier even among institutions with low graduation rates. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in Western International University: 

Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City

OSU Oklahoma City is a public university that primarily serves part-time and non-traditional students. While it provides affordable education, many students face challenges balancing academic responsibilities with work and personal commitments. OSU Oklahoma City has a graduation rate of 22%, which, while higher than Western International University, remains significantly below the national average for four-year institutions. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in OSU Oklahoma City: 

University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College

The Blue Ash College is a regional branch of the University of Cincinnati. While it provides accessible education options for local students, its graduation rate of 22.2% indicates struggles in retention and degree completion. The college is primarily a two-year institution, which means many students transfer to other colleges before completing their degrees, affecting its graduation rate. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College: 

National American University, Rapid City

National American University (NAU) in Rapid City has a graduation rate of 23.7%, making it one of the lowest-performing institutions in the US. As a for-profit university, NAU primarily serves non-traditional and working adult students, many of whom juggle work, family responsibilities, and academic commitments. These external pressures, combined with limited academic support, contribute to its high attrition rates. NAU offers flexible learning formats, including online programs, which appeal to students seeking convenience but sometimes lack the engagement needed to ensure success. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in National American University, Rapid City: 

Georgia Highlands College

With a graduation rate of 23.8%, Georgia Highlands College (GHC) struggles to retain students through to degree completion. The college is a two-year institution focusing on associate degrees, which can often lead to students transferring to other schools for four-year programs. While this transition contributes to its low graduation rates, GHC’s affordability and community engagement remain appealing factors for students. Following is the overview of lowest graduation rate in Georgia Highlands College: 

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) has one of the lowest graduation rates in the US at 9%. As one of the largest community colleges, CSN primarily serves non-traditional and part-time students. Many students at CSN aim to transfer to four-year institutions, which negatively impacts its reported graduation rates. Despite its challenges, CSN provides affordable tuition and a variety of programs, making it a viable option for many students. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in College of Southern Nevada: 

Sitting Bull College

Sitting Bull College, a tribal college located in North Dakota, faces a graduation rate of just 9%, placing it among the lowest graduation rate colleges in the US. The institution serves Native American communities, offering culturally relevant programs and promoting local heritage. However, limited funding and geographical isolation pose significant challenges for students and staff. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in Sitting Bull College: 

Harris Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University, based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a historically black college and university (HBCU) that has played a pivotal role in providing higher education opportunities to underrepresented communities. Despite its efforts to deliver affordable education, the graduation rate of 8% reflects the significant challenges faced by its students. Many enrolled students come from low-income backgrounds, often balancing academic responsibilities with work and family obligations. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in Harris-Stowe State University: 

University of Maryland – University College

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a leader in online education, catering to working adults, military personnel, and veterans. Despite its 8% graduation rate, the university is known for its innovative approaches to education, offering flexible learning formats and degrees tailored for non-traditional learners. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in University of Maryland Global Campus: 

East Georgia State College

Located in Swainsboro, Georgia, East Georgia State College (EGSC) is a two-year public institution with one of the lowest graduation rates in the US at 6%. The college primarily serves as a stepping stone for students aiming to transfer to four-year universities, which affects its reported graduation rates. Despite this, EGSC is committed to providing affordable education to a diverse student population. Below is the overview of lowest graduation rate in East Georgia State College: 

Conclusion

Colleges with low graduation rates, such as Harris-Stowe State University, UMGC, and East Georgia State College, highlight critical issues in the American higher education system. Factors like financial struggles, non-traditional enrollment, and high transfer rates significantly impact these numbers. While some might label these as the worst colleges in the US, it’s essential to recognize their dedication to offering affordable education and supporting diverse student populations. For students, evaluating these institutions means balancing affordability, flexibility, and personal goals. Ultimately, understanding the challenges behind these statistics empowers students to make informed decisions and find the right path for their academic and career aspirations.