University of Texas Arlington

Lack of state funding, work contribute to graduation rate

Today, there's much talk coming out of Austin about the number of students at four-year colleges who do not earn a degree in four years, and many have difficulty graduating in six years, Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Bob Ray Sanders wrote. But before we get too exercised over the raw numbers, and certainly before declaring failure on the part of our institutions or the young people who attend them, let us consider the state's declining role in education, as well as the growing demand and hardships of many of today's students, Sanders said. At UT Arlington, Sanders said state funding has dropped significantly in the last several years. Many UT Arlington students also work. And UT Arlington has helped retention rates with the establishment of University College, which provides more academic advising, tutoring and counseling, the column noted.