When Howard County students graduate from high school, most of them go on to college — and they tend to stick with it. Between the Classes of 2018 and 2022, about 76% enrolled in college that fall, higher than the national average of 62%. Of those who started, an impressive 91% came back for a second year, showing that once students begin, they usually persist.

But the story changes when we look at who graduates from college on time. Among the Classes of 2018 and 2019, only 56% of fall enrollees completed a degree within four years. That means nearly half of students who started did not finish in that time frame.

And the averages hide important differences. Asian and White graduates enrolled in college at much higher rates (88% and 81%, respectively) than their Black/African American (66%) or Hispanic/Latino (55%) peers. Even among those who enrolled, persistence rates were lower for Hispanic/Latino and Black graduates. These gaps add up: while nearly two-thirds of Asian and White enrollees completed a degree within four years, only about 4 in 10 Black or Hispanic students did so.

Economic background tells a similar story. Students identified as economically disadvantaged (FARMs) enrolled at far lower rates (47%) than their peers (78%). Even if they enrolled, they were much less likely to persist (79% vs. 91%).

These numbers reflect the real challenges students face beyond the classroom: access to financial aid, first-generation college experiences, and navigating transitions to campus life. They also reflect the hard work of educators, families, and support programs that keep students moving forward. Closing these gaps will take more targeted support from schools and the students' communities.