More CPS Students Are Graduating from High School, but Finishing College is Still a Struggle
Chicago Public Schools students are graduating from high school at unprecedented rates, a new report finds, but researchers predict that less than a third of current ninth graders will complete a college credential in the next decade.
The analysis is the 10th annual report about the educational attainment of CPS students from The To&Through Project, an education-focused research group based at the University of Chicago.
A Graduation Rate Increase
According to the report, the high school graduation rate among students of all races increased from 62% in 2008 to 85% in 2023. Among young white women and men, the high school graduation rate was 93% and 90% in 2023, compared to 88% and 83% of young Latino women and men and 85% and 78% of young Black women and men.
Immediate College Enrollment
To&Through researchers found that more than 60% of CPS students immediately enrolled in college. "In a city as big as Chicago, that’s 14,000 kids a year that are putting their hopes, dreams, excitement in this pathway, and we have a whole ecosystem of people and adults and families that are trying to support those students along the way," said Dom McKoy, To&Through’s executive director.
College Completion Rates
However, the report also highlights significant disparities in college completion rates, particularly for students from racially marginalized groups. Just 25% of young Black men who enrolled in college immediately after high school had earned a degree by age 25, compared to 67% of young white men.
"This is not a reflection of students’ academic ability but of the lasting impacts of Chicago’s racial segregation and oppression on their communities," McKoy said. "Disrupting these patterns and ensuring all students have access to college is not just about increasing degree completion rates. It’s about making sure students have the opportunity to explore different interests and career paths."
Conclusion
The report emphasizes the need to address the systemic barriers that prevent many students from completing college. By working together, educators, policymakers, and community leaders can create a more equitable education system that supports the success of all students, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current high school graduation rate in Chicago?
- 85% in 2023
- What is the college completion rate for young Black men in Chicago?
- 25% had earned a degree by age 25
- What is the college completion rate for young white men in Chicago?
- 67% had earned a degree by age 25
- What is the primary reason for the disparities in college completion rates?
- The lasting impacts of Chicago’s racial segregation and oppression on their communities.
