How Does Texas Rank Nationally in Higher Education Outcomes?

Since 2000, the state of Texas has undertaken an ambitious higher education plan to dramatically improve higher education outcomes and boost Texas’ national standing for education attainment. Closing the Gaps by 2015 is now in the final phases of completion. The full 2012 update of the  CTG2015 Progress Report is available for review online.

Below is a snapshot of some current key measurements that remain critical to Texas’ success.

• Enrollment in all Texas higher education institutions (two-year and four-year public, independent, and career institutions) has increased 53 percent since 2000.
• The annual number of degrees and certificates awarded at all Texas higher education institutions has increased by 61 percent since 2000.
• Texas ranks 28th nationally in attainment of a Bachelor’s as a terminal degree.
• Texas ranks 44th nationally in attainment of an Associate as a terminal degree.
• Texas ranks 27th nationally in average tuition at public, four-year institutions ($6,350).
• Texas ranks 3rd nationally in average tuition at public, two-year institutions ($1,512).
• 22.6 percent of students enrolled at a public four-year university were enrolled part-time.
• 70.8 percent students enrolled at a public community college were enrolled part-time.
• Of every 100 students enrolled (full- or part-time) at a public university, 57 students earned a postsecondary degree within six years; 30 students were no longer enrolled at any institution and earned no degree at the six year mark.
• Of every 100 students enrolled (full- or part-time) at a public community college seeking a degree, 27 students earned postsecondary degree or certificate within six years; 59 students were no longer enrolled at any institution and earned no postsecondary award at the six year mark.
• On average, a full-time student needed 5.3 years and 147 credit hours to complete a Bachelor’s degree that requires 4 years and 120 credit hours.
• On average, a full-time student needed 4.7 years and 98 credit hours to complete an Associate’s degree that requires 2 years and 60 credit hours.

Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2011 Texas Public Higher Education Almanac