Class of 2018 Records Highest Four-Year Graduation Rate in UT History

By Cat Cardenas in 40 Acres on September 27, 2018 at 10:46 am | No Comments

When they crossed the stage in May, the Class of 2018 broke multiple records, including becoming the class with the highest four-year graduation rate of any public university in the state.

According to UT’s office of the executive vice president and provost, some of the university’s largest strides were related to its first-generation and low-income students. In findings released Thursday, the four-year graduation rate for these students increased from 41 percent in 2012 to 61 percent in 2018.

In the same six-year period, four-year graduation rates also increased for the university’s black and Hispanic students.

“The hard work of our students is inspiring,” President Gregory L. Fenves said. “UT has been able to narrow gaps in completing a degree that have persisted for too long for low-income students and students of color. Giving students more opportunity to graduate while increasing the number of students UT educates exemplifies our core mission as a flagship university serving the people of Texas.”

The increased graduation rates have also made it possible for UT to welcome its largest incoming class. With nearly 9,000 first-time freshmen on campus, Executive Vice President and Provost Maurie McInnis says the university is committed to continue the progress that’s been made in improving graduation rates.

“We work to support every student and make sure they have the opportunity to graduate in four years. We will also support them in their next steps, helping to prepare them for successful careers after graduation, whether that be a job, graduate or professional school, or other pursuits,” McInnis says. “Our entire campus has worked hard to achieve these results, and I want to give particular credit to our students who have focused on their academic goals and changed the culture.”