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Northwest Tech continues to be recognized as a leader in higher education student success. The college was recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as being among the top 2% in graduation rates in the nation. The college ranked 18th out of 889 two-year publicly funded technical and community colleges from around the United States. This marks the third year in a row the college has ranked in the top 20 nationally.
Each year in their annual almanac, the Chronicle examines several different college measurements. This includes measuring the success students have in completing their degree within three years and six years from their initial start date. When examining all 889 colleges from around the country, the average graduation rate for this category is 22.9%. Northwest Tech performs three times higher than the national average with a 57.7% degree attainment rate. “We are excited to have made the list again this year and it’s a testament to the exceptional quality of education we provide at the Northwest Tech,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears. “That said, there are 17 colleges ahead of us with a higher percentage of graduates and there is a lot we can learn from them. While we’re excited, we have to also recognize we have room to improve.”
In the state of Kansas, there were 26 public technical and community colleges whose data was measured. Of the colleges, only 4 made the list – all of which happened to be technical colleges. The other technical colleges receiving recognition were North Central Kansas Technical College (3rd), Salina Area Technical College (5th) and Flint Hills Technical College (19th).
“To see this many Kansas technical colleges make the list is a real testament to the value of technical education to the higher education system in Kansas,” said Schears. “While technical colleges are the smallest sector and often underrepresented in the state system, we’re a scrappy and innovative bunch. We are mighty good at educating students who will have an immediate and tangible impact on the state economy.”
The cohort educational model the college has for technical programs, combined with the care and customer service of the employees of Northwest Tech are what Schears credits for the recognition. “Our employees make great efforts to help every student willing to put in the hard work to learn. When students walk through our halls, they aren’t a number, they’re a person and we know their name. That level of personalized attention is what helps our students reach the stage at graduation. I’ll go on record and say we have some of the best faculty and staff in the state,” he said.
Northwest Tech has been providing quality and employable technical education to the Northwest Kansas region since 1964. To find out more about the colleges 16 academic programs, 10 NJCAA athletics programs, and campus life, visit the website at www.nkwtc.edu.
