Loyola Marymount University has been identified as one the most successful universities in the nation at graduating African-American and Hispanic students, according to twin studies released by The Education Trust.

LMU was among 11 public and private universities singled out for the best combined graduation rates for Hispanic and African-American students. The studies, “Big Gaps, Small Gaps,” had two components, with one study focused on Hispanic students and the other on African-American students.  The studies examined the disparity in the graduation rates of Hispanic and African-American students when compared to white students at the same institutions.

LMU ranked No. 7 among private institutions with the most-favorable graduation rates for Hispanic students and No. 13 for graduating African-American students. Historically African-American colleges were not included in the survey.

Researchers Mamie Lynch and Jennifer Engle said LMU’s success was partially due to its Catholic, mission-driven education, which embraces educating traditionally underserved students.

They also singled out LMU and two other universities for “promising practices” that “promote equally strong results for students of all ethnic backgrounds.”  These include: strong leadership from the president and administrators in driving student success, successful recruiting efforts and close data monitoring to identify struggling students early and provide needed help.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by The Education Trust for our success in recruiting and graduating students from traditionally underrepresented groups,” said David W. Burcham, interim president of LMU. “The intercultural, interreligious and interracial dialogue at LMU embodies who we are. We constantly search for ways to expand the rich academic environment of our campus.”

The Education Trust (http://www.edtrust.org/)  is a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity and achievement gaps experienced by young people from low-income families or who are African-American, Latino or American Indian.   Foundations supporting The Education Trust include: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

For more details about the studies go to:
http://www.edtrust.org/dc/publication/big-gaps-small-gaps-hispanic
http://www.edtrust.org/dc/publication/big-gaps-small-gaps-african-american