With a global emphasis being placed on preparation for post-secondary education while students are in high school, new research suggests that IB Diploma Programme (DP) students (including both diploma earners and non-earners) are thriving in universities. Recent research by Dr. Liz Bergeron from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse indicates that DP candidates, including those who received a diploma and those who did not, are both enrolling in and graduating from post-secondary institutions at higher rates than non-DP students.
Postsecondary enrollment
Using the 2008 DP cohort, Bergeron’s study examines the post-secondary paths of the students. DP students enroll in post-secondary institutions at a higher rate than the national average, and are also more likely to attend four-year institutions and immediately enroll following their high school graduation.
Between May 2008 and May 2014, 92% of all DP students enrolled at colleges and universities. 78% of these students enrolled in a post-secondary institution immediately upon completing the IB Diploma Programme, whereas the national rate for immediate enrollment was 69%.[1] Of the DP students who enrolled immediately at post-secondary institution after their high school graduation, 95% of these students were attending a four-year institution. Meanwhile, the national average in 2008 for immediate enrollment in a 4-year institution was 60%.[2]
Postsecondary retention
According to the study, DP students also show higher retention rates at four-year institutions compared to the average retention rate in the U.S. This study defines retention as both yearly progression and continued enrollment at the same or different institution. The retention rate for DP students enrolled in their first-year at four-year institutions was 98%, while the national rate for first-year retention was 77%.[3]
First and second year retention rates Note: 2nd year retention rates are not currently available for the national cohort
Graduation rates
Compared to the national average, DP students have remarkably higher four-year and six-year graduation rates. In the DP cohort, the average four-year graduation rate was 79%, and among diploma earners, this increased to 84%. The national cohort’s four-year graduation rate was 39%.
Similar to the four-year graduation rates, DP students also show substantially higher six-year graduation rates compared to the national rate. For DP students, 83% of students had graduated from a four-year institution within six years, while the 2009 national average for graduating within six years was 56%.[4]
Conclusion
Bergeron’s research indicates that DP students are succeeding following their high school graduation. Compared to national averages, DP students are attending colleges and universities at notably higher rates. Additionally, DP students also exhibit higher levels of retention and graduation than the national average, suggesting that they are well prepared for the demands and rigor of post-secondary education.
For more information, please see the research summary or full report.
Contributing author Kari Lorentson is writing about the experience of IB graduates at universities around the world. Lorentson studies at American University and previously attended Fishers High School. Contact her at alumni.relations@ibo.org.
[1] Department of Labor. 2009. “College Enrollment and Work Activity of 2008 High School Graduates.” Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/hsgec_04282009. pdf
[2] Department of Labor. 2009. “College Enrollment and Work Activity of 2008 High School Graduates.” Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/hsgec_04282009. pdf
[3] NCHEMS. (n.d.). “Retention Rates – First-Time College Freshmen Returning Their Second Year.” Retrieved from: http:// www.higheredinfo.org/dbrowser/?year=2010&level=nation& mode=map&state=0&submeasure=223
[4] NCHEMS. (n.d.). “Retention Rates – First-Time College Freshmen Returning Their Second Year.” Retrieved from: http:// www.higheredinfo.org/dbrowser/?year=2010&level=nation& mode=map&state=0&submeasure=223