Among beginners with a bachelor’s degree goal, student rates of completion at any 4-year institution varied by enrollment patterns. Students who did not transfer, were always enrolled full time, or were continuously enrolled without a break had higher 6-year completion rates (72–74 percent) than other students, and about 45 percent graduated within 4 years.

Students who entered college with good academic preparation—those who received mostly A’s in high school, took two or more Advanced Placement (AP) tests, or had high SAT scores—also had higher completion rates than others. About 80 percent completed a bachelor’s degree within 6 years, and more than one-half (55–61 percent) graduated within 4 years (see figure).

Among beginners with a bachelor’s degree goal, women had higher completion rates than men and were more likely to finish in 4 years