NSCRC report says US PSE should focus on "potential completers"

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) has released a major study of US students who did not complete their degrees. The report is based on data from over 3,600 participating colleges, and represents 96% of US enrolments. NSCRC suggests that US PSE institutions should do more to reach “potential completers”—students who came close to graduating but did not finish. Of the 31 million students who enrolled in college but did not finish a degree, more than 3.8 M finished 2 years of studies before leaving. This group, the NSCRC says, should be a key focus of policymakers. Compared with “noncompleters” who stayed on for just a single term at one institution, “potential completers” show a higher probability of returning to school to attain a degree. It is hoped that data from the report can inform recruitment policies and also help colleges and universities work to retain students before they leave campus. Inside Higher Ed | The Chronicle of Higher Education | Full Report