A change in majors, a financial setback or other unplanned circumstances can cause students to delay graduation by months or years. Most undergrads aren't graduating in four years anymore, data show. Only 59 percent of students who started at four-year schools in the fall of 2006 graduated by 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Education. 

Undergrads at a few schools, however, are more likely to stick to the traditional four-year timeline. At Carleton College and Georgetown University, the average four-year graduation rate for full-time, first-time bachelor's degree-seeking students who started in fall 2008 is 91 percent. These schools had the highest four-year graduation rate among 1,235 colleges and universities that submitted data to U.S. News in an annual survey. Pomona College, which topped this list in the past with a 92.8 percent four-year graduation rate, barely made the top 10 with a now 90.1 percent rate. Among the 10 schools with the highest four-year graduation rate, an average rate of 90.4 percent of students finished on time. This rate is almost 50 percentage points higher than the average rate for all schools that submitted data. 

The schools with highest graduation rates are also highly ranked. Princeton University, for example, has a 90.2 percent four-year graduation rate and is ranked No. 1 among National Universities. National Universities are committed to ground-breaking research and offer a range of degree options for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.
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Below are the 10 colleges and universities with the highest four-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's degree seeking students who started school in fall of 2008. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be numerically ranked, were not considered for this report.

Making the decision to study abroad in the United States will open doors to experiences and opportunities that will last a lifetime. Once you have committed to making this move, you have to decide which area of the country is right for you. Different regions of the United States offer different opportunities in education, culture and entertainment—all essential criteria for getting the most out of your college experience. Here’s our look into one of the most exciting and unique cities in the country—Seattle, Washington.

Seattle is a coastal seaport city and the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. There are approximately 3.2 million people living in the Greater Seattle area, with about 570,000 living in the city itself. 

Its official nickname is the “Emerald City,” which is a reference to the evergreen forests that are throughout the state of Washington. In addition to its forestry, the area is known for its access to natural bodies of water. The city is located between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, which connects to the Pacific Ocean. With so many natural attractions in the area, Seattle is a great place to engage in outdoor activities such as sightseeing, hiking, camping, kayaking and other activities to help you experience the natural beauty of the area. 

When you’re in Seattle, there’s always something to do. Seattle has a thriving music scene, three successful professional sports franchises and an annual film festival that attracts worldwide visitors. Home to the century-old Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the birthplace of grunge music, Seattle has deep roots in music. Over the years, Seattle has produced world-renowned artists including Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. With music everywhere, it’s not hard to find a good concert on any night of the week.

Seattle is also the home to three major league sports teams: the Seattle Seahawks (American Football),Seattle Mariners (Baseball) and Seattle Sounders FC (Soccer). Whether you want to relax at a Mariners game or join the notoriously loud crowds at Seahawks and Sounders games, there’s sports action happening year-round in the city.

One of the most prominent festivals in the city is the annual Seattle International Film Festival. During the 24-day festival, which began in 1976, hundreds of films from around the world are shown to thousands of attendees. Each year, the festival includes a “Secret Festival,” in which attendees are shown unspecified films and must sign an oath to not share any of the details from the films.  

Preparing for school

While you’re studying in the States, earning a meaningful degree from an esteemed university is what’s most important. Seattle is home to several illustrious universities, both public and private, including the University of Washington. Seattle is also considered to be the most literate city in America, with the highest percentage of residents earning a college degree. Regardless of which school you choose to pursue an education, you’ll find Seattle to be a great community to meet your goals.

Seattle also offers great housing options for students moving to the area. If living in a dorm isn’t right for you, choosing an apartment near campus can be perfect for students hoping to get the most out of their college experience. ApartmentSearch.com is a great resource to use when searching for apartments in the city. The search engine allows you to find an apartment in your ideal area, and also allows you to view crime statistics, the cost of living, local restaurants, the length of your commute and more. If your apartment is unfurnished, furniture rental is an economical and hassle-free way to furnish your home. CORT, the leading provider of furniture rental in the U.S., furnishes thousands of student apartments with furniture and accessories, with rental packages starting as low as $99 per month.

Seattle is a city that is full of diversity and never-ending excitement that can’t fit into a single post. To learn more about the “Emerald City,” do some research to see if this is the perfect fit for you! Also, be sure to pack a raincoat—it does rain from time to time. For more information on CORT’s furniture rental solutions, please visit www.CORT.com.

Colleges and universities in the Seattle area

A.C.E. Language Institutes

Bellevue College

Cascadia College

Centralia College

Edmonds Community College

Green River College

North Seattle Community College

Pierce College

South Seattle College

Seattle University

Seattle Central College

Shoreline Community College

University of Washington

University of Washington - Bothell