ECC Graduation Rate Continues to Rise

In the past 10 years, East Central College has more than doubled its graduation rate, from 19 percent in 2012 to 40 percent in 2021.

“I’m very proud of our continued efforts to graduate more students every year,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president of East Central College. “Students are receiving a quality education in a timely manner that enables them to transfer to a four-year institution, or immediately enter the workforce.”

The graduation rate has steadily improved since 2014 — with an 18 percent graduation rate — to a 29 percent graduation rate in 2018, to the current graduation rate of 40 percent.

The 2021 graduation rate is based on the first-time, full-time cohort of students who began in the 2018 fall semester.

There have been multiple factors contributing to the increased graduation rate, including the implementation of a guided pathways model, which outlines specific courses students should take based on their degree plan.

In addition, the guided pathway model ensures students understand that there is a clear pathway to their educational goals. That is accomplished through a stronger connection with local school districts regarding dual credit options, and placement into the correct and appropriate classes.

The ECC advisement team develops a report weekly to identify when students register for courses that are outside of their academic programs, helping to keep students on target.