Shining a light on education & government in TennesseeShining a light on education & government in TennesseeWhat percentage of graduates enrolled in college within the fall following graduation
The College-Going Rate measures the percentage of high school graduates who enrolled in a post-secondary institution (two-year or four-year) within the summer or fall semester following graduation. This metric captures initial enrollment only -- it does not track persistence or completion. Data is sourced from the National Student Clearinghouse and reported by the Tennessee Department of Education.
College-going rates are calculated from National Student Clearinghouse data matched against the Tennessee Department of Education's graduating class records.
Enrollment records from over 3,600 colleges and universities nationwide are matched to Tennessee graduates to determine post-secondary enrollment.
Students are counted if they enrolled in any post-secondary institution during the summer or fall semester immediately following their high school graduation.
The most recent data reflects the Class of 2023. Updated data for the Class of 2024 is expected in early 2026.
This metric does not capture military enlistment, trade apprenticeships, or direct workforce entry. Students attending out-of-state schools that do not report to NSC may be undercounted.