Colleges Across the U.S. That Struggle to Impress

Choosing the right college is a significant decision, one that can impact your life for years to come. While many institutions excel in providing a quality education, others fall short, leading to low graduation rates, high student debt, and poor job placement outcomes. In this list, we’ll explore some colleges across the United States that have faced criticism for their performance. This isn’t to say these schools don’t have their strengths, but prospective students might want to carefully consider their options before enrolling.

1. Alabama: Alabama State University

Alabama State University has faced challenges that impact its overall reputation. The university struggles with low graduation rates and high student debt, which can make the college experience more burdensome for students. Additionally, the school has been criticized for its lack of adequate resources and outdated facilities, which contribute to its lackluster performance.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 26%
• Average Student Debt: $30,000
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

2. Arkansas: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a history of low retention rates and a limited selection of academic programs. These factors, combined with a lower-than-average graduation rate, make it challenging for students to thrive. Although the school provides valuable opportunities for students, the struggles with retention and completion rates are worth noting.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 25%
• Retention Rate: 61%
• Average Starting Salary: $28,000

3. California: California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles, is part of the vast CSU system but often ranks lower than its sister schools. The university has been criticized for overcrowded classes and insufficient academic support, which can hinder student success. The graduation rate is relatively low, and many students face significant challenges in completing their degrees on time.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 46%
• Average Class Size: 30 students
• Student Loan Default Rate: 7.5%

4. Florida: Florida Memorial University

Florida Memorial University, one of the state's historically Black colleges, has struggled with financial instability and declining enrollment. These issues have contributed to a low graduation rate and concerns about the university's long-term viability. While the school has a rich history and cultural significance, its current performance metrics leave much to be desired.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 27%
• Enrollment: 1,200 students
• Average Student Debt: $35,000

5. Georgia: Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University in Georgia is known for its agricultural programs, but it faces significant challenges in other areas. The school has a low graduation rate and limited resources, which affect the quality of education offered. Students may find it difficult to complete their degrees within the typical timeframe, leading to higher overall costs.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 33%
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Average Time to Degree: 6 years

6. Louisiana: Southern University at New Orleans

Southern University at New Orleans is part of the Southern University System, but it has struggled to keep pace with other institutions. The school has a high student loan default rate, reflecting the challenges graduates face in finding employment. The university also has a low graduation rate, which raises concerns about student success and support services.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 10%
• Student Loan Default Rate: 20%
• Average Class Size: 25 students

7. Mississippi: Mississippi Valley State University

Mississippi Valley State University is one of the smallest public universities in the state, and its size contributes to its struggles. The university has a low graduation rate and a high student loan default rate, which indicates that many graduates are not finding well-paying jobs. The lack of resources and academic support further hampers student success.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 24%
• Enrollment: 2,000 students
• Average Student Loan Default Rate: 18%

8. New Mexico: Northern New Mexico College

Northern New Mexico College has faced numerous challenges, including low enrollment and financial difficulties. The school has a low graduation rate and a high transfer-out rate, suggesting that many students leave before completing their degrees. The college has been working to improve its performance, but it remains one of the more struggling institutions in the state.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 14%
• Transfer-Out Rate: 40%
• Average Student Loan Debt: $22,000

9. Ohio: Central State University

Central State University, a historically Black university in Ohio, has experienced financial struggles and low graduation rates. The school’s challenges with funding and student retention make it difficult for students to achieve academic success. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Central State’s performance metrics highlight areas that need improvement.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 22%
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Average Student Loan Debt: $29,000

10. West Virginia: West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University, a public university with a strong community focus, has faced challenges related to funding and student outcomes. The graduation rate is lower than the national average, and many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The university has been working to address these issues, but it remains a challenging environment for students.

Stats at a Glance:

• Graduation Rate: 27%
• Average Time to Degree: 5.5 years
• Enrollment: 3,500 students

These institutions face unique challenges that impact their performance and student outcomes. While some of these schools have a rich history and provide valuable opportunities, prospective students should carefully consider these factors when making their college decisions.