What College Has The Lowest Graduation Rate In The US?
When it’s time to choose a college, most students consider factors such as acceptance rates and campus amenities.
However, the graduation rate of colleges is also another essential statistic, as it measures the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students who complete their bachelor’s degree within six years.
While the graduation rate may not seem significant at first glance, it becomes more meaningful as you take a closer look.
A high graduation rate might be a reflection of student and university quality. When institutions consistently report rates below 30 percent, it signals potential challenges that prospective students should carefully evaluate.
10 Lowest Graduation Rate Colleges in the US
1- Western International University
- Graduation Rate: 3%
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Reasons for low graduation rates: Lack of adequate academic and student support services, resulting in high student attrition and low retention
2- Yeshivas Novominsk
- Graduation Rate: 2.5%
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Reasons for low graduation rates: High transfer rate to other institutions.
3- East Georgia State College
- Graduation Rate: 6%
- Location: Swainsboro, Georgia
- Reasons for Low Rate: High transfer rates, limited resources, rural location challenges
4- Rio Salado College
- Graduation Rate: 4.3%
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Reasons for Low Rate: Part-time enrollment, flexible online programs, working adult focus
5- Harris-Stowe State University
- Graduation Rate: 8%
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Reasons for Low Rate: First-generation students, financial constraints, limited academic preparation
6- College of Southern Nevada
- Graduation Rate: 9%
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Reasons for Low Rate: High transfer rates, part-time students, large enrollment size
7- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Graduation Rate: 8%
- Location: Adelphi, Maryland (Online)
- Reasons for Low Rate: Online learning challenges, military focus
8- Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Reasons for Low Rate: Part-time enrollment, work-life balance challenges, commuter campus
9- National American University
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
- Reasons for Low Rate: For-profit structure, limited support services, working adult focus
10- Georgia Highlands College
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Location: Rome, Georgia (Multiple campuses)
- Reasons for Low Rate: Transfer-focused programs, open enrollment, community college model
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest-ranked University in the USA?
Western International University consistently appears at the bottom of graduation rate rankings with a completion rate of just 3%, according to sources like CollegeSimply and UniversityLiving.
Which US college has the highest graduation rate?
Harvard University typically leads with graduation rates of 98%. Other top performers include Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, all of which maintain graduation rates above 95%, which would still be considered excellent odds in a world where they were featured on betting apps.
Who has the highest college dropout rate?
Institutions like Western International University and various for-profit chains consistently report the lowest completion rates nationally.
What is the #1 college in the US?
Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University, and Princeton University typically occupy the #1-2-3 positions in most national college rankings.
What is the lowest GPA for graduation in the USA?
Some institutions may allow graduation with GPAs as low as 1.7-1.9 in specific circumstances. Scholarship conditions also change depending on the college, between term GPA and cumulative GPA.