College Completion

The University of Utah is leading more students to college completion.

It is widely accepted that a college degree provides life-long benefits that range from increased earnings to better physical and mental health. Higher education institutions have made strides in providing access to a wider, more diverse population of students than ever before. But, in the words of University of Utah President Ruth Watkins, access without completion is a hollow promise of a better future.

Many institutions, including the University of Utah, have significantly increased their graduation rates over the past decade. At the University of Utah, for example, the rate has increased 19 percentage points to 70%. The challenge: How can colleges move those rates even higher?

That question drew representatives from 22 institutions across the country to the University of Utah’s campus Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2019, to discuss college completion challenges and opportunities. Lumina Foundation co-hosted The College Completion Summit, the first event in the University of Utah’s College Completion Project.

Attendees shared best practices and strategies and offered insights into obstacles and challenges that lie ahead as institutions work to help more students finish their degrees. Below you’ll find stories and podcasts from each panel discussion.

Going forward, The College Completion Project will continue to offer the latest news and insights about how institutions are working to advance graduation rates.