Iowa Central Community College Achieves Highest Two-Year Graduation Rates in Two Decades

Iowa Central Community College has seen a significant increase in its two-year graduation rates, reaching a 20-year high. The National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System (IPEDS) report shows a seven percent rise from the previous year, with a rate of 44 percent in 2023. College president, Dr. Jesse Ulrich, credits this to investments in staff, programs, and facilities.

Dr. Stacy Mentzer, the college's vice president of instruction, confirmed that this is the highest rate since 2005. The IPEDS data also shows that Iowa Central's five-year average surpasses the two-year rates of similar institutions by seven percent. Additionally, the college saw a four percent rise in three-and four-year graduation rates in 2023.

Mentzer acknowledged the college's successful graduation rates, attributing them to student-focused efforts. She highlighted the Guided Pathways program, which helps undecided students explore career paths while earning graduation credits.

The college's new student progress monitoring system has also been instrumental in these achievements. It alerts staff when a student is struggling, enabling the college to provide timely assistance.

Dr. Ulrich commended the faculty and staff for their role in these successes. He stressed the college's commitment to enhancing the student experience and supporting its staff. He concluded by expressing satisfaction in seeing the college's progress, given the hard work of the faculty and staff.

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