<p>CMU was ranked 68th in the most recent Kiplingers magazine. One thing that stuck out that could explain it is that it lists only 68% graduate in 4 years.
Is that accurate and is there a good reason for it? I am psyched to go there, but this is kind of a surprise.</p>
<p>This rate is because CMU has not only the 5-year architecture program, but also a 5-year scholar program and many 5-year bachelors/masters joint degrees. For this reason, a lot of students stay on 5 years and get to receive a bachelors and a masters. I intend to be among these students; I will graduate with a BA, a BS, and a MET in 5 years. </p>
<p>The overall enrollment-graduation rate is 95%.</p>
<p>Also, the most recent edition of Kiplingers’ 2010 ratings has CMU at 47th, not 68th. <a href=“Kiplinger | Personal Finance News, Investing Advice, Business Forecasts”>Kiplinger | Personal Finance News, Investing Advice, Business Forecasts;
<p>Thanks for the info, Kate. I listed the 68% graduation rate, not as where it placed in rank.
Kiplingers should have footnoted that graduation % with an explanation of some type.</p>
<p>Oops, I’m wrong. Should have looked closer. Meant to type 47th in the original post.</p>
<p>I think this is why a lot of people argue a 6 year graduation rate is more useful than a four year. Things such as extra majors, studying abroad, internships, co-ops, integrated MS programs, unexpected financial hardships, etc. all can lead to people taking more than four years. None of these are the typical “negative” reasons for graduating in over four years, either (classes full, not enough things offered, students failing too many classes, switching majors too often…).</p>
<p>A lot of CFA students drop out before graduation because a narrow and intense conservatory education is not for everyone. Others get good job offers before graduation.</p>
<p>I just read the article and a few things stood out for me. First, the $29,456 average debt at graduation is considerable and probably dropped CMU on the list as much as anything else, or maybe everything else. Second, the list does not take into account the job-readiness of CMU students. Third, these are the top 100 universities in the country. CMU made the list and at 68th it is not doing too badly, all things considered.</p>