Timing of College Enrollment Linked to Graduation

By Mark Pitsch

WASHINGTON--High-school students who enroll in a four-year college immediately after graduation are more likely to earn a college degree than are other students, suggests a study released here last week by the American Council on Education.

Moreover, the study found, the probability that students will continue their education uninterrupted after graduating from high school corresponds with their socioeconomic status and academic success.

Socioeconomic status, the report says, is the more influential factor because many talented low-income students are unable to pay...