This graph shows a distribution of first-time postsecondary students in the United States, who started their degree at a 4-year institution in the 2003/04 academic year, by the highest level of educational attainment. The figures are also differentiated by the degree completion status of students as of 2009. For example, 55.2 percent of students, who enrolled for their bachelor's degree, had completed their degree by 2009, after starting in 2003/04.
Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status
(as of 2009)
Parent's education level
Have completed their degree (any)
Have not completed their degree and are still enrolled
Have not completed their degree and are no longer enrolled
Associate’s degree
43.7%
12.8%
43.5%
Bachelor’s degree
55.2%
15.1%
29.7%
Master’s degree
66.7%
11.2%
22.1%
Doctoral/first-professional degree
70.6%
11%
18.3%
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Parent's education levelPercentage of students43.7%43.7%55.2%55.2%66.7%66.7%70.6%70.6%12.8%12.8%15.1%15.1%11.2%11.2%11%11%43.5%43.5%29.7%29.7%22.1%22.1%18.3%18.3%Have completed their degree (any)Have not completed their degree and are still enrolledHave not completed their degree and are no longer enrolledAssociate’s degreeBachelor’s degreeMaster’s degreeDoctoral/first-professional degree
0%20%40%60%80%
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Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status
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NCES. (November 30, 2011). Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status (as of 2009) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/
NCES. "Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status (as of 2009)." Chart. November 30, 2011. Statista. Accessed February 22, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/
NCES. (2011). Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status (as of 2009). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 22, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/
NCES. "Distribution of First-time Post-secondary Students Who Started at 4-year Institutions in The U.S. in 2003/04, by Highest Degree Attainment and Degree Completion Status (as of 2009)." Statista, Statista Inc., 30 Nov 2011, https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/
NCES, Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status (as of 2009) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/ (last visited February 22, 2025)
Distribution of first-time post-secondary students who started at 4-year institutions in the U.S. in 2003/04, by highest degree attainment and degree completion status (as of 2009) [Graph], NCES, November 30, 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/240255/college-degree-completion-rate-by-parents-educational-attainment/
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