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The graduation part II: Graduate program graduation rates

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  • Denning, Jeffrey T.
  • Turner, Lesley J.

Abstract

This paper documents several facts about graduate program graduation rates using administrative data covering public and nonprofit graduate students in Texas. Only 58 % of students entering a graduate program in 2004 graduated within 6 years. Between the 2004 and 2013 entering cohorts, graduate student completion rates grew by 10 percentage points. Graduation rates vary widely by field of study, ranging from an average of 81 % for law programs to 53 % for education programs. We also find large differences in graduation rates between institutions. On average, 72 % of students who entered programs in flagship public universities graduated in 6 years compared to only 57 % of those who entered programs in non-research intensive (non-R1) institutions. Graduate students who do not complete may face negative consequences due to lower average earnings and substantial levels of student debt.

Suggested Citation

  • Denning, Jeffrey T. & Turner, Lesley J., 2025. "The graduation part II: Graduate program graduation rates," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725001203
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105422
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    References listed on IDEAS

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