Why Are UNA's Graduation Rates So Low?

 

New national college graduation rates have been posted, and the University of North Alabama came out in the lower half of the Alabama rankings, 44% to be exact. Two colleges tied with UNA, 12 fared better, and 11 had less success than UNA. The kindest critique would be that our local university made the middle of the pack.

To put the 44% in perspective, the graduation rate was based on eight years. In other words, a newly minted high school grad who began studies at UNA in the fall of 2012 and managed to graduate by spring 2020 was included in this statistic.

UNA boasts of record enrollment, campus aesthetics, diversity, Division I football, and a unique mascot, but rarely mentions graduation rates. Just how important is the graduation rate? Earnest.com states:

It not only is a transparent metric that holds a school accountable, but it also can help a student measure the quality of the school.

In other words, the current quality of education at UNA may be considered mediocre. Welcome to the University of North Alabama where you may not get an outstanding education, but at least it won't be abysmal.   

Interesting fact: UNA may not offer a major in gender studies, but it does offer a minor in women's studies.