<p>Hello. I am currently deciding on attending UAF, TAMU, Texas Tech, Colorado School of Mines, and USC in that order. UAF would be my first pick as the location suits me and the total cost is considerably cheaper than the other institutions.The only thing holding me back is that it has a flipping 12% 4-year graduation rate compared to 40% at CSM, and 53% at TAMU. California's average 4-year graduation rate is 35%. While Alaska's 4-year graduation rate is 10%. Is this a cultural phenomena in Alaska or is it embodied in the institutions? I have a great desire to graduate in 2 years after transferring and will do anything to make it happen but the 12% 4-year graduation rate is discouraging.</p>
<p>Yes and no. That variable includes many factors including school culture, which is something you can’t define in numbers. </p>
<p>The number should be noted. It could mean a whole host of things. Underprepared students, not enough classes in the major, scheduling of classes…the list goes on. But don’t let it persuade you. Graduating on time is also a function of the student. If you want to graduate early and are diligent and resourceful, you shouldn’t have a problem. Things come up and you won’t know how you will perform in school, so have a lil leeway. </p>
<p>I have no idea what it’s like in Alaska though. Maybe the weather?</p>
<p>There is no on time for graduating</p>
<p>A scholarly review of UAF’s graduation rate issue (or maybe not…)</p>
<p>[UAF</a> scrambles to ready for rare graduation | UAF Sun Star](<a href=“http://www.uafsunstar.com/archives/4151]UAF”>http://www.uafsunstar.com/archives/4151)</p>
<p>Hahahaha graduating on time is a dream nowadays, I remember when I used to say that, its probably gonna take me 5-6 years</p>
<p>On a serious note, I think UAF has some unique items that impact graduation rates (such as a large number of part time students and distance learning, the weather…). However, one of them is shared by many other public universities, and that’s difficulty in getting all of your courses; missing a course can push back graduation a year. You may need to plan on going to school during the summer to ensure you graduate on time.</p>
<p>I am planning on transferring into the summer session anyways and will be taking ~20 units a semester so I hope that hard work pays off. Perhaps a large portion of that 12% is the engineering students.</p>
<p>Be very careful taking 20 credits per semester. I know a fair number of people who have tried it; a few succeeded but for the majority of them it was a major hit on their GPA, myself included. I would really think carefully about how many credits you take.</p>
<p>I have the drive and work ethic. Its just a matter of knowing my limits</p>
<p>Bonehead, how many classes is that exactly. I know some universities use 3 credits per class as the norm and most others use 4 credits per class.</p>
<p>It would be about 5 classes.</p>
<p>I don’t remember if my 21-credit semester was 5 or 6 classes. That was a while ago. All I am saying is use caution. You can have all the drive and work ethic in the world but ultimately the chemistry and psychology of the human brain requires rest and activity outside of studying to stay healthy.</p>
<p>Most CSM student are very driven. The 4 year graduation rate would be higher if there were not so many credits (some programs I think 140+ credits) required for graduation.</p>
<p>I believe it, but if I go into UAF just as driven you think I would easily graduate in 2 years? After transferring I would only have to take 54 units which is only 14 units a semester if I dont take summer or winter classes. I just have this scenario in my head where classes are offered only once a year (or hard to get) and professors have failing grade quotas to meet. If this is the case, is it always possible to transfer to another four year university?</p>
<p>Graduation rates are mostly reflections of the students at the school.</p>
<p>High admissions selectivity and fewer non-traditional students tend to mean higher graduation rates.</p>
<p>Transfer students may be more at risk of needing an extra semester if they are unable to take some prerequisite courses before transfer and need to “catch up” after transfer.</p>