CSU Graduates Record Number of Students in 2003-04

More students graduated from the California State University in the 2003-04 school year than ever before. Overall, the number of bachelor and master’s degrees granted by the CSU’s 23 campuses rose by nearly 8 percent to 82,672, the largest increase in three decades. In 2002-03, the total number of degrees granted was 76,755.

The record number of 2003-04 bachelor’s degrees – 65,743 – represents an increase of more than 4,000 students from the 61,712 who earned bachelor’s degrees in 2002-03. The record number of 2003-04 master’s degrees – 16,860 – represents an increase of 1,870 degrees over the 14,990 awarded in 2002-03.

This notable rise in total degrees granted also reflects an increase of some 1,860 degrees by identified ethnic minority students as well as an increase of more than 3,700 degrees by women. In fact, all ethnic groups improved their degree-earning numbers from 2002-03.

“The impact of the California State University on the state is enormous, both economically and socially, and nowhere is that more evident than in the number of graduates we produce who go on to work in the state’s critical industries,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “College graduates earn $1 million more over their lifetimes than those with a high school degree, so CSU is adding value to both the individual student and the state’s economy.”

Officials say that the increases show that a systemwide push to graduate students faster is paying off. Now it takes the average student about five and a half years to obtain a CSU undergraduate degree. Programs that streamline community college transfers and efforts to encourage students to declare majors earlier are beginning to show results, according to a university spokeswoman.