Mar 15, 2009 11:17 pm US/Eastern
Study: African-American Graduation Rates Lagging
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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When it comes to graduation rates at Maryland colleges and universities, African-Americans are falling behind according to a study released last week.
When it comes to graduation rates at Maryland colleges and universities, African-Americans are falling behind according to a study released last week.
Jessica Kartalija breaks down the numbers.
Despite efforts to close a widening gap in graduation rates, African-American students attending state universities are falling behind.
"One of the issues facing our state and nation is that we are not graduating enough students with a college degree," said William Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland.
The state's historically black colleges and universities--or HBCUs--have struggled to graduate their students.
"We need special programs that will reach out and ensure that every young person has an opportunity, has a chance and has the support they need to go to college and get a college degree," Kirwan said.
A decade ago, Coppin State had a 26% graduation rate. Now, they have the lowest rate in Baltimore. That number has dropped to just 17%, followed by Morgan State University at 39%. Towson and University of Maryland have reduced achievement gaps significantly, with 69% and 80% of minority students graduating.
"Many Coppin students come in needing remedial courses and so it takes them some time to complete the remedial courses and those credits don't count toward graduation," said Ursula Battle with Coppin State University.
Forty percent of African-American students graduate within six years of starting college, if they can afford their education.
"We traditionally pull students from Baltimore City and many of those students are first-generation students who sometimes have to balance a full- time job around family and around school and oftentimes they are struggling financially," Battle said.
The state is putting millions of dollars toward HBCUs. Last year, schools outlined plans to close the graduation gap. Progress reports are due this fall.
As for Hispanic students, 71% graduate within six years, a number that is on the rise.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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