The United States is lagging behind other countries in college completion. Here’s how it happened – and how could be fixed.

The U.S currently ranks 12^th among 36 developed nations in college completion, says a report from the College Board. While almost 70% of high school graduates enroll in college, only about 57% actually graduate within six years.

The numbers are even worse at the community college level – fewer than 25% graduate with an associate’s degree.

Canada currently leads the world in educational attainment, with about 56% having earned associate’s degrees or greater in 2007.

How can this trend be turned around? By re-thinking K-12 education as P-16, the report says, improving education from preschool on up. The College Board’s major recommendations:

• More state-financed preschool programs
• Better middle school/high school college counseling
• Dropout prevention programs
• Alignment with international curricular standards
• Improvement in teacher quality, and
• More need-based financial aid.

What would you add to this list? Tell us your ideas in the comments section.

Tags: College Board, grad school rankings