The graduation rate of Minnesota's nonprofit colleges is the highest in the Midwest, according to a new Minnesota Private College Research Foundation analysis. Almost two-thirds (61%) of students attending Minnesota nonprofit institutions (a group dominated by the Council's 17 members) received their bachelor's degree in four years, looking at the most recent data. As for nonprofits nationally, Minnesota ranks fifth and is the only Midwestern state in the top 10; the next Midwestern state is Indiana, in 12^th place. (District of Columbia's nonprofit colleges ranked first with a graduation rate of 68%).

The difference in graduation rates is more striking when comparing private nonprofits and public institutions. The national four-year graduation rate for public institutions is 31% — half of Minnesota's private nonprofit graduation rate. The rate at Minnesota's private nonprofits is higher than any public system nationwide.

Graduation rates are important for a number of reasons. Students who complete their bachelor's degrees in four years or less avoid the costs associated with additional time spent in college. These students are able to begin their professional careers and earn an income sooner than their peers who graduate later. High four-year graduation rates are also an indicator of an institution's ability to recruit, advise and support its student population.