Outcomes · K-12 education statistics
College-going rate
The share of a graduating class enrolling in postsecondary education, usually within a year.
The college-going rate measures how many of a school's graduates enrol in a college or university, most often within twelve or sixteen months of graduating. States typically build it by matching graduate records against the National Student Clearinghouse.
Two limits matter. The denominator is usually graduates rather than the full entering cohort, so a school that graduates few students can post a high college-going rate; and Clearinghouse coverage, while broad, is not complete, so enrolment at non-participating institutions is invisible and the rate is a slight undercount.
Also known as: college enrollment rate, postsecondary enrollment.
See college-going rate in the data
Explore enrolment, staffing, poverty and outcomes for every state and county. Start free — no credit card needed.
College-going rate — FAQ
What is college-going rate in school and district data?+
The share of a graduating class enrolling in postsecondary education, usually within a year. The college-going rate measures how many of a school's graduates enrol in a college or university, most often within twelve or sixteen months of graduating. States typically build it by matching graduate records against the National Student Clearinghouse.
Why does college-going rate matter?+
Two limits matter. The denominator is usually graduates rather than the full entering cohort, so a school that graduates few students can post a high college-going rate; and Clearinghouse coverage, while broad, is not complete, so enrolment at non-participating institutions is invisible and the rate is a slight undercount.
Where does this school and district data come from?+
Core statistics come from the National Center for Education Statistics — the Common Core of Data, EDFacts, and the Civil Rights Data Collection. The most recent graduation rates and state report-card outcomes come directly from state education agencies, which publish sooner than the federal series. pumsdata is independent and not affiliated with NCES or any state agency.