60% Of Georgia Students Finish College

Georgia has increased its college enrollment by nearly 100,000 in the past ten years -- but only six out of ten students actually graduate school.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:

About 40 percent of students who entered Clayton State University in 2003 graduated by summer 2009, according to state data. The six-year rate at Southern Polytechnic State University was slightly less than 43 percent.

Rates are higher at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. State officials say the low rates are a combination of budget cuts, lack of student support and state emphasis on college enrollment but not graduation.

Many of the state's schools are enacting tactics to increase their graduation percentages:

Georgia State University improved graduation rates by putting an upperclassman in tough classes -- a student who has already aced the course -- who helps other students. Georgia Gwinnett College requires professors to call students if they miss too many classes. Clayton State will assume more control over what classes students take. Southern Poly plans to improve its advising system.

Georgia's graduation rate hovers at the national average. In Arkansas, meanwhile, a recent report revealed that the graduation rate has leveled off at 38 percent.