Graduation rate hits all-time high

Published on Sep 14, 2026

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College students achieved a graduation rate of 61.4% for 2025-26, college officials announced today. The new rate is the highest in college history and has nearly doubled since 2016-17.

“Surpassing 60% is a remarkable achievement that few two-year colleges can claim,” said ECTC Chancellor Juston Pate. “We are so excited about what this means for students and our community. More students are connecting with the college, receiving the support they need to successfully complete their academic programs, and transitioning to high-demand career fields or bachelor’s degree programs.”

ECTC’s rate is nearly 19 points higher than the national average of 42.7%. The rate measures the percentage of full-time college students who earn a credential within three years of first enrolling at the college. Dual credit students are not included.

The college is shifting to a focus dubbed: “Clear Path. Clear Plan.” It will help all students develop a clear career path and a clear educational plan. Pate expects that while ECTC’s graduation rate is in the top 10% nationwide, the college’s focus, culture and community support make continued growth possible.

“We’re talking to students about the first job they want rather than what major they’ll declare. From there, our students can find purpose and build early momentum, meaning they successfully complete a class tied to their career path in their first semester,” Pate said, noting that national and college-specific data show purpose and early momentum greatly influence on-time graduation.

ECTC continues to climb in other student success metrics as well. For example, the Fall 2025 course success rate climbed to 80.1%, a rate that has increased approximately 14 points since 2018.