27
January
2020
|
15:16 PM
America/Chicago

UHD Recognized for Persistence in Graduating Students

University Ranked by The Chronicle of Higher Education

Summary

By Mike Emery

Student success is at the heart of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) mission. Through a variety of initiatives and partnerships, UHD has steadily grown its transfer, retention and graduation rates. Such growth has been acknowledged throughout the region … and more recently, among national institutions of higher education.

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently listed UHD among the top 10 U.S. public four-year universities graduating the highest percentages of students by their fifth or sixth year. The recognition was included in an article titled “When 4 Years Is Not Enough, These Colleges Persist in Getting More Students to Graduate” published on Jan. 19.

The article states that UHD and other recognized institutions were measured in 2018 for their cohorts of first-time, full-time students who first enrolled in 2012. At UHD, the 2012 cohort totaled 1,157 students.

UHD ranked No. 6 in the article’s list of public universities and is the only Texas institution in the top 10.

Percentages cited include:

  • Percentage of cohort who graduated in fifth or sixth year instead of four – 16.5%
  • Percentage of all graduates within six years who finished in their fifth or sixth years – 80.9%

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the students here at UHD,” said Dr. Eric Carl Link, UHD Provost, “It also highlights the ongoing commitment the faculty and staff have toward student success.”

The recent Chronicle of Higher Education ranking echoes recent national acknowledgements, including the University earning its second year of U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Online Programs.

“This acknowledgement by The Chronicle of Higher Education speaks volumes about the commitment of the UHD Community to supporting its students and ensuring they earn their degrees,” said UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “It also is further demonstration of the determination of our students to who balance work, family, extracurricular activities, and classes. Their fortitude is commendable and certainly reflected within the data presented within this article and in the University’s rising graduation rates.”

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.