The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released a report revealing UA Cossatot’s success in key areas compared to similar colleges; indicating UA Cossatot is now 6th in overall graduation rates among all two-year schools in Arkansas.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Feedback Report analyzes data for 34 peer institutions across Arkansas and the nation and then provides graphical comparisons in key areas. These peer institutions have similar missions that serve the same kind of students in similar communities. This most recent IPEDS report lists UA Cossatot as having the sixth-highest graduation rate in Arkansas with a 42 percent graduation rate.

UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, “A 42% graduation rate is a tremendous achievement for our college. What I think it means is that we are doing a lot of things right in taking our students and giving them the attention, scholarship, and tools they need to be successful.”

In addition to the graduation rates, compared to the other 33 colleges in the report, UA Cossatot also on average costs $154 less per year to attend, has a 16% higher graduation rate, has a 17% higher Latino graduation rate, spends $796 more per semester per student on instruction and $1,241 less per student on administration costs.                                                                                                             

Cole added, “We find the data shows that UA Cossatot, on average, spends more on instruction than our comparison schools and we think that is helping us achieve our 42% graduation rate. Of course, many variables contribute to that number but we like to think our instructors are the best in the business”.

UA Cossatot has the sixth-highest graduation rate in the state of Arkansas while operating with the third smallest budget in the state. The complete report is available at https://rb.gy/oii5yb