Langston University: Graduation Rate Statistics and Analysis

Langston University, a public land-grant historically black university (HBCU) in Langston, Oklahoma, holds a unique position as the only HBCU in the state and the westernmost four-year public HBCU in the United States. Founded in 1897, the university has a rich history and a commitment to serving its diverse student population. This article delves into the graduation rate statistics of Langston University, providing an overview of its performance, trends, and comparisons with national averages.

Overview of Langston University

Langston University is situated in a rural setting 10 miles (16 km) east of Guthrie, with additional urban centers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. As of fall 2023, Langston University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,743 students. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1. For the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Langston University is ranked No. #105-115 in Regional Universities West. It's also ranked No. #72 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid

The median undergraduate tuition at Langston University is $4,518, significantly lower than the national average of $24,575 for Masters Colleges and Universities. After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $10,589. In 2023, 88% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 62% received financial aid through loans.

Other student expenses include an average yearly cost of $10,841 for room and board in 2023, and $780 for books and supplies.

Graduation Rates

Langston University's graduation rates provide insights into the success of its students in completing their degree programs. The university's graduation rate, defined as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree or award within 150% of "normal time" to completion, was 19.5% in 2023.

Time to Complete

In 2023, only 11% of students graduating from Langston University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). However, 29% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 30% within 200%.

Graduation Rates vs. National Averages

Four-Year Graduation Rate: Data shows that 5% of first-time, full-time students in the 2015 cohort graduated within four years, compared to a national average of 37.92%.
Six-Year Graduation Rate: The six-year graduation rate for the same cohort was 9%, significantly lower than the national average of 46.43%.
Eight-Year Graduation Rate: By the eight-year mark, 10% of the cohort had completed their degree, compared to a national average of 47.82%.

Graduation Rates by Race and Ethnicity

Graduation rates vary among different racial and ethnic groups at Langston University.

Hispanic or Latino Female: 66.7%
American Indian or Alaskan Native: 20%
Black / African-American: 18%
White: 38%

Retention Rate

The retention rate, which measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall, was 59% for full-time undergraduates at Langston University. This is lower than the average retention rate of 74% at similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

Enrollment Statistics

In 2023, Langston University had a total enrollment of 1,910 students, with 1,763 enrolled full-time and 147 part-time.

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

The enrolled student population at Langston University is predominantly Black or African American (75%), followed by American Indian or Alaska Native (6.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.71%), White (4.4%), Two or More Races (3.3%), Asian (0.419%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.157%).

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Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

3% of students enrolled at Langston University are enrolled full-time, compared with 68.2% at similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

Graduates and Degrees Awarded

In 2023, Langston University awarded 343 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. A majority (69.4%) of these degrees were awarded to women, while 30.6% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was black or african american (241 degrees), 6.34 times more than the next closest race/ethnicity group, white (38 degrees). The most common bachelor's degree concentration at Langston University was Registered Nursing with 44 degrees awarded.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2021, the default rate for borrower's at Langston University was 0%, with 0 out of the 765 total borrowers defaulting.

Endowment and Financial Operations

Langston University has an endowment valued at approximately $49.9M as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. In 2023, the university had a total salary expenditure of $72.3M.

Factors Influencing Graduation Rates

Several factors can influence graduation rates at Langston University, including:

Student Demographics: As an HBCU, Langston University primarily serves a student population that may face unique challenges, such as socioeconomic disadvantages, that can impact their ability to complete their degrees.
Financial Aid: While a significant percentage of students receive financial aid, the average net price of attendance can still be a barrier for some students.
Retention Efforts: The university's retention rate suggests a need for enhanced support services and programs to help students stay enrolled and progress towards graduation.

Initiatives to Improve Graduation Rates

Langston University has implemented various initiatives to improve graduation rates and student success, including:

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Academic Support Services: Providing tutoring, advising, and other academic resources to help students succeed in their coursework.
Financial Literacy Programs: Educating students about financial management and debt reduction to alleviate financial stress.
Mentoring Programs: Connecting students with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
Career Services: Assisting students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development to enhance their post-graduation outcomes.

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