During COVID we conducted a study to determine which category of our students was most challenged. We found, not surprisingly, that the first year students were having the most dificulty academically, adjusting from rote learning to critical thinking on their own. To our surprise the students in the bottom decile were not only undaunted by the disruptive pandemic but they were more determined to succeed and were thriving. When we probed through questioning the main reason they gave was “purpose”. These bright students were determined to complete in four years so they could be self sufficient and able to support their families in the 4 years allotted.
The Graduation Rate target expected of the 20th Decile students is 75%, however they surpass it each year. Seventy -five percent is the Ashesi 4-year norm. See figure
Graduation Rate is 35 percent for public four-year universities and 53 percent for private non-profit universities. Not all students graduate in four years. The average for Six-Year Graduation Rate is 59 – 62 percent for public universities and 65 – 68 percent for private non-profit universities. These averages are based on universities outside the African continent, yet it provides an estimation of the trend. Data on African Universities are not readily available. Ashesi’s trend for four-year and six-year graduation rates, (using the average of the three last years to the year) yields the table below. The Ashesi graduation rates for both four-year and six-year graduation are high relatively. Looking at the pattern it would be fair to expect the average four-year graduation rate at Ashesi to be 70-75% and for the six-year graduation rate overall average to be 80-85%. To be equitable, the same graduation rates would be expected of the 20th Decile scholars. The graphs indicate the
References
https://www.liberalartscolleges.com/the-truth-behind-the-four-year-degree/
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/ctr
