<p>We read that Oberlin has a graduation rate of 64%. Any feedback as to why it is so low? The rate is curious for such a wonderful school.</p>
<p>Untrue. According to the 2008 Common Data Set, the six-year graduation rate was 83%.</p>
<p>The four year graduation rate is something like 65% to 70%, but you have to remember that there are a lot of students, particularly in the conservatory, who sign up for a five year program that involves two degrees.</p>
<p>It is also possible that Oberlin attracts the kind of student who wants to sample a lot of things that are outside their major, and hence they wind up taking an extra semester or two to graduate. As dave72 points out, their 6-year rate is more in line with what you might expect and only a small number took 6 years rather than 5.</p>
<p>The six year graduation rate is the better indicator in the opinion of USNews' America's Best Colleges.Using the 6 year graduation rate along with the average freshman retention rate, also used by USNews, is an important consideration that many use when evaluating schools.
P.S. Expect significantly different rates for private schools versus publics--which often have a different mission by mandate.</p>