Virginia Western measures graduation success by degree completion by group (also known as a cohort).

Goal 1: Virginia Western will have an overall cohort graduation rate of at least 30%*

* Cohort consists of full-time, degree-seeking students with no prior college experience who graduated within federally defined IPEDs rate of 150% of normal graduation time

Goal 2 - Overall Graduation Rate for Incoming Cohort; Chart shows that between 2012 and 2016 the goal was only exceeded in 2015 and 2016

Conclusion: 32% of Virginia Western’s 2016 cohort graduated within the IPEDS defined 150% normal graduation time. This meets the goal of 30%.

Goal 2: At least 30% of Community College Access Program (CCAP) scholarship recipients will graduate within 150% of normal graduation time.

Goal 2 - Graduation Rate for CCAP Scholarship Students; Chart shows that the goal was exceeded every year from 2014-2016

Conclusion: 45% of the 2016 Cohort of CCAP recipients graduated within 150% of the normal graduation time. This exceeds the goal of 30%.

Goal 3: At least 30% of Pell grant recipients will graduate within 150% of normal graduation time.

Goal 2 - Graduation Rate for Lower-Income Students; Chart shows that the goal has not been reached between from 2013-2016

Conclusion: 28% of the 2016 cohort of Pell grant recipients graduated within 150% of the normal graduation time. This does not meet the goal of 30%.

Action Plan: Virginia Western has mentorship programs such as TRiO, which are available for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. TRiO specifically offers one-on-one help regarding retaining this high-risk population, providing students with guidance and resources they may not have access to otherwise.

Compiled 3/30/21
Data Sources: VWCC Fact Book, VWCC Master Files