Post-Secondary Attainment

 

“Educational attainment matters today, and will matter even more in the years ahead.”

-Jeff Strohl, Artem Gulish, and Catherine Morris. The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2024. cew.georgetown. www.edu/goodjobsprojections2031.

 

Horizons National has been tracking long-term student outcomes, using data from the National Student Clearinghouse since 2018, to better understand the impact of our program. 

Key Findings

In 2024, we analyzed college matriculation rates for 1,233 students who completed Horizons through 8th grade.

The chart below compares their outcomes to national averages.

 

 

This chart shows that 75% of students who completed the Horizons program through 8th grade matriculated to college – well above the 61% national average matriculation rate and significantly higher than the 51% college-going rate for students from low-income backgrounds. That is a 14-point and 24-point increase, respectively.

These outcomes are especially noteworthy given that most Horizons students enter the program performing below grade level. The data suggest a strong correlation between sustained participation in Horizons and a greater likelihood of attending higher education.

Sustained Participation in College and Graduation

Of Horizons students who entered college, 61% are currently enrolled or have graduated with a degree or certification. Additionally, 64% of those not ready to graduate are still enrolled in a degree or certification program. According to the Pell Institution approximately 56% of students stay in college and finish a degree. Though continued analysis is needed over time, it does appear that Horizons students stay in college at a higher rate than average.