The Reality of College Readiness 2013

In a companion report to The Condition of College & Career Readiness, a recent paper from ACT traces enrollment, retention, re-enrollment, and migration patterns of 2011 ACT-tested high school graduates. Since 1983, there has been little change in retention and persistence rates at U.S. colleges and universities. The report seeks to raise awareness that many students do not take a direct path to completion, and in fact, 41% of graduates attended more than one institution, 38% enrolled part time, and over 40% of students transferred during their college experience in 2011.

Among the report’s findings:

• According to the report, a direct relationship exists between scores on ACT subject tests and retention, persistence, and degree completion.
  • Additionally, students who earn minimum (benchmark) scores in more than one subject area are more likely to enroll in a four-year institution.
• Between 22 and 43 percent of ACT-tested high-school graduates across the country who enrolled in higher education in 2011 either did not re-enroll or had unverifiable enrollment statuses.
  • In addition, student mobility between colleges indicates a need for policies supporting a seamless transition from institution to institution.
• Of 2011 ACT-tested high school graduates, most are retained in the state of their original enrollment.
  • Most students who initially enroll in state re-enroll in state for their second year.
  • Most students who enroll out of state re-enroll out of state for their second year.
  • The rates of students who are retained in state and those who enroll and re-enroll out of state for two-year colleges are lower than rates for public four-year colleges.