The Paradox of Increasing both Enrollment and Graduation Rates : Acknowledging Elephants in the Ivory Tower
Abstract
The argument is made that increasing enrollments and graduation rates cannot occur while maintaining academic
standards. Several U.S. universities are attempting to increase their enrollments to counter the financial difficulties
created by a reduction in state support. These same universities are also under growing pressure from their state
legislatures to increase four-year graduation rates and make degrees more affordable. In this essay, we describe how
some universities and programs are attempting to meet both of these goals by lowering academic standards.