HOUSTON (December 11, 2017) – Texas Southern University (TSU) is releasing its fall performance measures through its agency submission of the 84th regular session of the Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST). The report indicates significant growth in full-time freshmen earning a baccalaureate degree in four to six years and a higher persistence rate of freshmen entering the University.

TSU believes the success can be directly tied to its ‘Communiversity’ model that creates a holistic approach to supporting students with dedicated academic advising and an educational success trajectory that leads to a baccalaureate degree. This institutional effort is in concert with Texas’ 60x30 plan, an initiative launched in 2015 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) to elevate the state’s higher education system. The 60x30 plan aims to ensure that 60% of the state’s 25- to 34-year-olds achieves a college degree or certificate by 2030.

“Texas Southern is dedicated to raising the University’s persistence and graduation rates. It is not just about numbers, but creating a smooth path for our students toward a baccalaureate degree,” said President Austin A. Lane. “TSU is committed to elevating our society with strong graduates who can step into careers that will benefit the state of Texas, our nation and the world.”

Some of Texas Southern University’s key evaluation measures for Fall 2017 include:

· First-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen earning a degree in six years is 23.4%, up from 17.2% in 2016 and 18.5% in 2015.

· Persistence rate of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen after one year is 57.4%, up from 50.4% in 2016 and 45.5% in 2015.

· First-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen earning a degree in four years is 9.7%, up from 6.9% in 2016.

· 1,002 undergraduate degrees were awarded in academic year 2017, up from 954 in 2016, and 913 in 2015.

· Of the undergraduate degrees that were awarded in 2017, 841 were minority graduates, up from 792 in 2016, and 763 in 2015.

· Of the baccalaureate graduates who were the first in their families to graduate from college – 43.4% were First Generation.

· The state licensure pass rate of Pharmacy graduates is 97.9%, up from 89.7% in 2016.

A full report is available upon request. The measures were released to TSU administrators in an annual report created by Dr. Raijanel Crockem, executive director of institutional assessment, planning and effectiveness.