Colleges Boost Completion Rates with Smarter Scheduling Strategies

A new report from Ad Astra and Complete College America highlights how improved academic scheduling can significantly enhance college completion rates. Released on August 21, 2025, the report, titled “Building a Healthy Culture for Academic Scheduling,” provides actionable recommendations for colleges to optimize course access and success.

Ad Astra, which collaborates with over 550 educational institutions, emphasizes that effective scheduling is essential for student retention and timely graduation. Sarah Collins, the president of Ad Astra, noted, “When, where, and how a class is offered might seem like a small detail, but it can determine whether a student makes it to graduation.” The report suggests that by prioritizing scheduling in campus culture, institutions can remove obstacles that hinder student progress.

According to the 2024 Benchmark Report by Ad Astra, approximately 26% of program requirements are not available during the designated terms. Additionally, nearly one-quarter of course sections are overloaded, while 45% are underutilized. These issues create barriers, particularly for working adults, caregivers, and commuting students, potentially leading to higher dropout rates.

The report outlines five strategic steps for colleges to transform scheduling into a tool for student success:

1. **Assess current practices**: Institutions should evaluate existing scheduling against projected course demand to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

2. **Form a strategic scheduling team**: Bringing together leaders, faculty, advisors, and support staff is crucial for implementing data-driven changes that benefit students.

3. **Implement smart scheduling principles**: Aligning course offerings with structured pathways ensures that students can access necessary courses at optimal times.

4. **Build capacity**: Enhancing technical skills in data analysis and scheduling software helps institutions adapt to changing needs.

5. **Measure and sustain progress**: Colleges should track outcomes related to student success and efficiency, celebrating improvements and learning from setbacks.

Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva, president of Complete College America, remarked, “Effective scheduling might not always grab headlines—but it’s one of the most powerful, and most overlooked, tools we have to help more students graduate.” The report underscores that scheduling, when designed around students’ lives rather than administrative convenience, can break down barriers and enhance access to critical courses.

Several initiatives across the United States exemplify the impact of smart scheduling. The University System of Georgia employs block and default schedules, enabling first-year students to earn 15 credits while following clear pathways that improve retention and graduation rates. Similarly, the Talent Strong Texas Pathways initiative has introduced eight-week terms to boost credit momentum and persistence among students.

In Tennessee, the Board of Regents has shifted to seven-week courses, providing working adults with the flexibility needed to manage their education alongside other responsibilities. Data from these programs indicate stronger outcomes compared to traditional 15-week formats.

The report serves as a comprehensive guide for institutions seeking to improve academic scheduling practices. By prioritizing scheduling as a critical component of student success, colleges can enhance graduation rates and foster a more supportive academic environment.

For further details on findings, case studies, and practical recommendations, the full report is available for review.