ISU reports rising graduation rate

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State University is reporting a graduation rate of 73.4 percent.

The school in Normal announced Wednesday that is the highest rate in recent history.

University officials say ISU is already among the top 10 percent of public and private universities nationwide based on graduation rates.

They cite U.S. Department of Education statistics showing the national average for graduation rates at public universities is 56 percent.

The school says graduating in a timely manner means less debt load for students who also get good-paying jobs sooner.

Officials say the student body's strong academic quality contributes to higher graduation rates. This year's first-year students had a 3.4 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and an average ACT test of 24.

___

Online: https://news.illinoisstate.edu/