College Academic Preparedness Goal
3.0 Countywide GPA Average
According to a study done by the University of Chicago in 2020, "Students’ high school grade point averages are five times stronger than their ACT scores at predicting college graduation." (Allensworth, Clark) We chose to target GPA as an improvement area because it offers a more holistic indicator of college readiness than standardized testing. Tracking junior-year GPA will make room for intervention and timely support.
College Financial Readiness Goal
75% Countywide High School Senior FAFSA Completion
Money is the #1 barrier to student success. We want to open the door to college for as many students as possible; the best way to do that is by increasing our FAFSA completion rates. The FAFSA is the largest source of financial aid for students across the nation. Almost all additional scholarships and awards require students to complete the FAFSA, including the Promise and Mi Reconnect. If we can increase our FAFSA completion rate for the senior class of 2030/2031 to 75% and continue to maintain and increase that number for years beyond, thousands of students will be able to access college.
College Enrollment Goal
75% Countywide College Enrollment within 6 Months of High School Graduation
Students who enroll in college directly after high school are more likely to complete their postsecondary education and earn their degrees in a shorter amount of time than students who delay. (MI School Data) While no education journey is the same, it is typically much easier to enroll in a credential program surrounded by the post-secondary prep resources that senior year has to offer. Reaching our 75% college enrollment goal will ensure the likelihood of many more students to eventually complete their college program.
College Completion Goal
60% Countywide College Completion within 6 Years of High School Graduation
All of the Mason County CAN goals build towards the overarching statewide Sixty by 30 initiative. As a state, we need 60% of our population to obtain a college degree in order to meet workforce and economic demands. Reaching a 60% completion rate will signify student success in all areas. Post-secondary completion also increases individual and community-wide well-being, which is our #1 priority.
