Students at GCU more likely to complete degree than at any other modern Scottish university

Glasgow Caledonian University students are more likely to complete their degree than their peers at any other modern Scottish university.

New figures from HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency, predict that in 2020, 80.7% of GCU students will successfully complete their studies - ahead of an average of 79.8% across the country's higher education institutions. And HESA predicts our drop-out rate (neither award nor transfer) will improve by 1.1% to 7.8% - the lowest of any Scottish modern and well below the Scottish sector average of 10.4%.

HESA collects, processes and publishes data about higher education across the UK and is the trusted source of data and analysis in the sector. The 2020 PIs on projected learning outcomes are based on UK domiciled full-time students starting first degree courses in the academic year 2017-18.

Non-continuation rates for all entrants to GCU improved by 0.2% to 8.3% compared to the previous year, which can largely be attributed to the performance of mature entrants, whose non-continuation rate has improved by 1%, again the best ranking for a Scottish modern.

The predicted completion rate exceeds our Strategy 2020 key performance indicator of 80%.

Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: "We are delighted that so many of our students, often from challenging backgrounds, are successfully completing their studies with us at GCU. Once again we have performed above the sector average for degree completion with an exceptionally low drop-out rate.  Our staff are committed to nurturing and supporting our talented students on every step of their journey. We will continue to offer an outstanding environment for all our students to ensure they thrive and are successful."