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UNC-Chapel Hill Student Achievement Metrics

UNC-Chapel Hill sets goals and measures student achievement in alignment with the priorities outlined in the UNC System’s Strategic Plan, our own Carolina Next Strategic Plan, and our institutional mission for teaching, research, and public service to North Carolina and beyond.

Key Undergraduate Completion Indicator: IPEDS Four-, Five-, and Six-Year Graduation Rates

UNC-Chapel Hill set goals to increase four-year, five-year, and six-year graduation rates for all first-time/full-time undergraduate students from the 2012 cohort baseline threshold to 86.0%, 91.0%, and 92.5%, respectively, by fall 2026. The University also established goals to increase four-, five-, and six-year graduation rates for students identifying as American Indian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, or two or more races; Pell recipients; first-generation college students, and males.

UNC System Strategic Plan Student Achievement Metrics

As part of the UNC System’s new Strategic Plan, Higher Expectations (2022-2027), UNC-Chapel Hill committed to two primary student achievement goals:

  • Four-year graduation rate for students who entered UNC-Chapel Hill as first-year students and completed their undergraduate degrees here or at another accredited U.S. institution.
  • Undergraduate degree efficiency, which is the percentage of enrolled undergraduate students who are awarded degrees in a given year.

The 2020 baselines, thresholds, and goals, along with the University’s most recent performance on these metrics, can be viewed here.

In addition, UNC-Chapel Hill will also extend its goals and continue to monitor progress on two student achievement metrics that were part of the prior UNC System Strategic Plan (2017-2022):

  • Five-year graduation rate from UNC-Chapel Hill and any accredited U.S. institution
  • Completion of Degrees and Certificates in Majors Addressing Critical Workforce Needs

Graduate/Professional Student Performance on Licensure Examinations

UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and professional schools also set achievement goals and monitor the performance of students in medicine, dentistry, law, and other programs that lead to licensure. More information on those thresholds, goals, and outcomes may be viewed here.