Should parents compare graduation outcomes as well as admission difficulty?
Yes. Parents and applicants should compare not only admission difficulty but also graduation rates, completion within the standard period, fields of further study and employment after graduation, and the availability of qualification or career support. These indicators help clarify the experience after enrollment and possible pathways, but they should not be used alone to judge a university; fit with the student’s interests, curriculum, and learning environment also matters.
Key points
- Admission difficulty is an indicator at the point of entry and does not directly show post-graduation outcomes.
- Graduation and further-study or employment figures are more useful when checked by faculty or department.
- Review employment fields, support services, and qualification outcomes in relation to the student’s intended area of study.
Things to check
- Universities and faculties may use different definitions, populations, and academic years when reporting outcomes, so consult the latest official information.
- Outcomes are also influenced by students’ choices, economic conditions, and the faculty or department; figures do not guarantee an individual result.