JUNEAU -- A legislative research report shows Alaska's college graduation rate ranked last nationally in all but two years between 1997 and 2009.
Alaska also ranked below the national average in high school graduation and college attendance rates.
The research shows college graduation rates ranged from 19 percent to 44 percent between 1997 and 2009. Rates relate to the percentage of first-time, full-time students who earn bachelor's degrees within six years.
It quotes Mike Earnest, director of admissions for the University of Alaska, saying an open admissions policy and need for many freshmen to take remedial classes, adding to their time in school and debt, contribute to the rates.
Earnest says UA is working to address the situation.
Alaska students ranked at or above the national average on the ACT between 2001 and 2011.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.