Higher Ed

The data tools on our Resources page will help you use graduation rates, retention rates and transfer rates to compare your local colleges and universities and evaluate whether they've improved.

These rates are all important tools for measuring an institution’s success. But comparing these rates among institutions isn’t a straightforward task. Keep in mind that rates will vary depending on each college’s admissions pool – Are they admitting most or all applicants? What is the typical preparation level of an admitted student? Try comparing institutions to those with similar student bodies. Interview college officials, accrediting bodies and system offices to find out which universities they consider similar.

Another approach is to compare a college to itself, especially if its leaders have promised improvement or change. Dig out old news clippings or read through old press releases to find out whether your college has made any investments in improving their numbers, whether it be transfer rates or enrollment of minority students. Then, use our tools to evaluate whether the college achieved its goals.
 

Tip sheet: Shaking loose information on seismic safety at public universities

California Watch's higher education investigative reporter spent several months working on a project about seismic safety at public universities. This article includes a tip sheet aimed at community journalists and students who want to dive in to find out more details.