RI tops natl. average in college grad rates

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A new study shows that Rhode Island's state and private schools are posting higher graduation rates than the national average.

The Chronicle of Higher Education looked at the numbers from 2010, and found that collectively, the state's eight private four-year schools finished sixth in the country with a rate of 64 percent, 11 points higher than the national average.

Rhode Island's two four-year public schools, URI and RIC, came in at 19th place with a rate of 34 pecent, which is three points higher than the national average.

The Board of Governors for Higher Education voted recently to freeze tuition rates at the state's public colleges , but neither Gov. Chafee nor the General Assembly have yet to comment on the matter.