College Graduation Statistics [2023]: Total Graduates per Year

Report Highlights. College graduation statistics indicate that bachelor’s degrees are the most sought-after, with 2.038 million conferred in 2020.

49.8% of all college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
23.5% of bachelor’s degree-earners take more than four (4) years to complete their program.
24.9% of college graduates earn associate’s degrees.
The total number of graduates has increased at an annual rate of 2.8% over the last 10 years.
4.090 million or 20.4% of all college students graduated in 2020.

Line Graph: Number of College Graduates per Year in the 21st Century

U.S. College Graduates & Graduation Rates

Bachelor’s degree seekers are statistically more likely to graduate than associate’s degree seekers.

1,018,233 college graduates earned associate’s degrees in 2020, down 1.78% year-over-year (YoY) from 2019.
2,038,431 graduates earned bachelor’s degrees in 2020, up 1.23% YoY.
843,449 or 20.6% of all graduates earned master’s degrees.
190,178 or 4.6% of all graduates earned doctorates or professional degrees.
The number of master’s degrees conferred in 2020 was up 1.16% YoY.
1.39% more doctorate or professional degrees were conferred in 2020 compared to 2019.
37.3% more bachelor’s degrees were conferred in 2020 than in 2010.
There were 64.7% more bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2020 than there were in 2000.
2-year institutions average a 31.6% graduation rate.
Among students at 2-year and 4-year institutions, the graduation rate is 46.2%.
College graduation rates at public institutions have increased 15% since 2010.

Line Graph: College Graduation Rates by Entrance Year Among Bachelor's Degree Seeking Students

Historical Graduation Statistics

College graduation statistics suggest today’s national population is the most educated in United States history. The rate of college graduates among citizenry is on the rise. The college graduation rate among students is also trending upward.

In 1900, college graduates nationwide earned 27,410 bachelor’s degrees.
In 1910, 3% of adults over 25 years of age had a postsecondary degree.
In the subsequent 30 years, the number of college graduates increased by an estimated 110%.
By 1940, 4.2 million or 4.6% of U.S. adults over 18 years of age were 4-year college graduates.
The rate of 4-year college graduates among the adult population increased 704.3% in the subsequent 80 years or by a factor of 8.8% per year.
From 2000 to 2018, the rate of college graduates with associate’s degrees in the U.S. increased by 28.9%.
The number of college graduates from 2000 to 2018 in the United States increased by 95.3 million or 2,269%.
In 1970, 176,310 or 30% of bachelor’s program graduates majored in education; 115,400 or 13.7% graduated with degrees in business.
50 years later, 386,200 or 19.5% of bachelor’s program graduates earn degrees in business; 82,621 or 4.2% graduate with degrees in education.
In 1970, 87,670 or 37.2% of master’s program graduates majored in education; 26,490 or 11.2% graduated with degrees in business.
50 years later, 192,180 or 23.4% of master’s program graduates earn degrees in business; 146,370 or 17.8% graduate with degrees in education.
In 1970, 17,440 or 26.8% of doctorate and professional degree holding graduates majored in legal studies; 15,990 or 24.6% graduated with degrees in healthcare.
In 2020, 80,310 or 43.6% of doctorate and professional program graduates hold degrees in healthcare; 34,540 or 18.8% hold degrees in legal studies

Line Graph:Number of College Graduates Between 1971 and 1999

College Graduates by Major

College graduation statistics indicate a shift in the popularity of certain major disciplines. A majority of college students graduate with degrees in STEM fields, and most STEM graduates are bachelor’s degree earners. Business and healthcare degrees are also common among graduates.

730,394 or 18.3% of college graduates earn degrees in STEM fields.
- 94,487 or 12.9% of STEM graduates earn associate’s degrees.
- 432,077 or 59.2% of STEM graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
- 168,096 or 23% of STEM graduates earn master’s degrees.
- 35,734 or 4.9% of STEM graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.
699,505 or 16.7% of graduates earn business degrees.
- 117,782 or 16.8% of business graduates earn associate’s degrees.
- 386,201 or 19.5% of graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
- 192,184 or 27.5% earn master’s degrees.
- 3,338 0.48% earn doctorate or professional degrees.
631,486 or 15.8% of graduates earn degrees in healthcare.
- 181,056 or 28.7% of healthcare graduates earn associate’s degrees.
- 244,909 or 38.8% of healthcare graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
- 125,216 or 20.4% of graduates earn master’s degrees.
- 80,305 or 12.7% earn doctorate or professional degrees.
444,754 or 11.1% of graduates earn degrees in liberal arts and sciences.
- 397,926 or 89.5% earn associate’s degrees.
- 44,262 or 10% earn bachelor’s degrees.
- 2,473 or 0.56% earn master’s degrees.
- 93 or 0.02% earn doctorate or professional degrees.
257,950 or 6.4% of graduates earn education degrees.
- 16,182 or 6.3% of education graduates earn associate’s degrees.
- 82,621 or 32% education graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
- 146,367 or 56.7% earn master’s degrees.
- 12,780 or 5% earn doctorate or professional degrees.
39.3% of graduates earning associate’s degrees major in liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities; 17.9% major in health professions and related programs while 11.6% major in business.
19.5% of college graduates earning bachelor’s degrees major in business; 12.4% major in healthcare and related programs while 8.1% major in social sciences and history.
23.4% of graduates earning master’s degrees major in business; 17.8% major in education while 15.3% major in healthcare.
43.6% of graduates earning doctorate degrees major in healthcare; 18.8% major in law and legal studies while 6.9% major in education.

Pie Chart: Bachelor's Program Graduates Degree Disciplines

College Graduate Demographics

College graduation statistics indicate graduation among minority groups has become more attainable over time, but disparities still remain in terms of attainment.

This report uses labels and terminology that conform to source material. Some data categories have fallen out of use in many institutions. Asian and Pacific Islander, for example, are commonly considered separate racial or ethnic groups; some official sources, however, still combine these groups for statistical purposes.

American Indian/Alaska Native males are the least likely to graduate with a degree of any kind.
White males are the most likely to graduate with a degree of any kind.
80% of computer and information sciences and support services associate’s program graduates are male.
78% of engineering bachelor’s program graduates are male.
Asians are most likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in one or more STEM fields.
College graduation statistics indicate a decline in graduation rates among older students while students who enroll as teenagers are most likely to graduate within 5 years.

College Graduates by Race or Ethnicity

Longstanding racial and ethnic disparities in graduation statistics are in decline, meaning a larger proportion of students are People of Color.

American Indian/Alaska Native students in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 39.3%.
24,820 or 0.6% of college graduates are American Indian/Alaska Native
- 9,900 or 39.9% of American Indian/Alaska Native graduates earn 0.9% of associate’s degrees.
- 9,900 or 39.9% of American Indian/Alaska Native graduates earn 0.5% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 4,100 or 16.5% of American Indian/Alaska Native graduates earn 0.5% of master’s degrees.
- 920 or 3.7% of American Indian/Alaska Native graduates earn 0.5% of doctorate or professional degrees.
Asian/Pacific Islander students in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 69.3%.
268,680 or 6.6% of college graduates are Asian/Pacific Islander.
- 58,300 or 21.7% Asian/Pacific Islander graduates earn 5.3% of associate’s degrees.
- 142,560 or 53.1% Asian/Pacific Islander graduates earn 7.2% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 47,570 or 17.7% Asian/Pacific Islander graduates earn 5.8% of master’s degrees.
- 20,250 or 7.5% Asian/Pacific Islander graduates earn 11% of doctorate or professional degrees.
Black or African American students in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 40.5%.
452,760 or 11.1% of college graduates are Black or African American.
- 146,300 or 32.3% of Black or African American graduates earn 13.3% of associate’s degrees.
- 199,980 or 44.2% of Black or African American graduates earn 10.1% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 92,670 or 20.5% of Black or African American graduates earn 11.3% of master’s degrees.
- 13,810 or 3.1% of Black or African American graduates earn 7.5% of doctorate or professional degrees.
Hispanic or Latino students in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 41.5%.
532,720 or 13.1% of college graduates are Hispanic or Latino.
- 213,400 or 40.1% of Hispanic or Latino graduates earn 19.4% of associate’s degrees.
- 241,560 or 45.3% of Hispanic or Latino graduates earn 12.2% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 65,610 or 12.3% of Hispanic or Latino graduates earn 8% of master’s degrees.
- 12,150 or 2.3% of Hispanic or Latino graduates earn 6.6% of doctorate or professional degrees.
White or Caucasian students in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 62.2%.
2,410,070 or 59.1% of college graduates are White or Caucasian.
- 618,200 or 25.7% of White or Caucasian graduates earn 56.2% of associate’s degrees.
- 1.23 million or 51% of White or Caucasian graduates earn 62.3% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 451,060 or 18.7% of White or Caucasian graduates earn 55% of master’s degrees.
- 110,810 or 4.6% of White or Caucasian graduates earn 60.2% of doctorate or professional degrees.
Students of two or more races enrolled in bachelor’s programs have a 5-year graduation rate of 50.4%.
116,350 or 2.9% of college graduates are of two or more races.
- 31,900 or 27.4% of multiracial graduates earn 2.9% of associate’s degrees.
- 63,360 or 54.5% of multiracial graduates earn 3.2% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 17,220 or 14.8% of multiracial graduates earn 2.1% of master’s degrees.
- 3,870 or 3.3% of multiracial graduates earn 2.1% of doctorate or professional degrees.
272,410 or 6.7% of college graduates are nonresidents.
- 21,140 or 7.8% of nonresident graduates earn 1.9% of associate’s degrees.
- 87,120 or 32% of nonresident graduates earn 4.4% of bachelor’s degrees.
- 141,880 or 52.1% of nonresident graduates earn 17.3% of master’s degrees.
- 22,270 or 8.2% of nonresident graduates earn 12.1% of doctorate or professional degrees.

Pie Chart: Racial or Ethnic Distribution of College Graduates

College Graduates by Sex or Gender

Postsecondary students are more likely to be female. There are few statistics regarding nonbinary genders available from official sources. In most source material, the terms “sex” and “gender” are interchangeable.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, 625,154 women earned associate’s degrees, which is 61.4% of all associate’s degrees conferred that year.
1,177,168 women earned bachelor’s degrees, which is equivalent to 57.7% of all bachelor’s degrees conferred.
517,785 women earned master’s degrees, which is equivalent to 61.4% of all master’s degrees conferred.
104,953 women earned doctorates or professional degrees, which is equivalent to 55.2% of all doctorates & professional degrees conferred.
In 1900, 22,173 or 80.9% of graduates who earned bachelor’s degrees were male; 5,237 or 19.1% of graduates in 1900 were women.
Among bachelor’s degree holders, female graduates have outnumbered male graduates since 2015.
Male students are more likely to drop out of school with a 59% completion rate (within 6 years); female students have a 65% college graduation rate.
Women at public institutions have a 64% college graduation rate while 70% of women at private, nonprofit institutions graduate.
Men at public institutions have a 58% college graduation rate while 64% of men at private, nonprofit institutions graduate.
26% of men and 25% of women at private, for-profit institutions graduate.

College Graduates by Age

While most college students are between the ages of 18 and 24, enrollment among older adults is on the rise.

63.8% of college students who enroll in bachelor’s programs at age 18 years or younger graduate within 5 years.
59.9% of those who enroll in bachelor’s programs at age 19 years graduate within 5 years.
29.4% of 20- to 23-year-olds who enroll in bachelor’s programs graduate within 5 years.
20.4% of 24- to 29-year-olds who enroll graduate within 5 years while those 30 years and older have a college graduation rate of 16.4%.
76.2% of college students enroll as teenagers.
54.6% of 18- and 19-year-olds are enrolled as college students.
Enrollment among this age group has increased 71.2% since 1970, when 31.9% of 18- and 19-year-olds were students.
50.5% of 20- and 21-year-olds are enrolled as college students.
Enrollment in this age group has increased 35.7% since 1970, when 37.3% of 20- and 21-year-olds were students.
Enrollment among 22- to 24-year-olds increased 27% in 50 years, from 14.9% to 28%.
Enrollment among adults aged 25 to 29 years increased 69.3%, from 7.5% to 12.7%
Enrollment among adults aged 30 to 34 years increased 50%, from 4.2% to 6.3%.

Pie Chart: Master's Program Graduates Degree Disciplines

Graduation Statistics by State

In most states, the majority of annual graduates are bachelor’s degree holders. College graduation statistics suggest business degrees are increasing in importance; degrees in this field are common among bachelor’s and master’s program graduates throughout the nation.

12% of all annual graduates earn their college degrees in California.
District of Columbia graduates are the most likely to have advanced degrees.
In Wyoming and New Mexico, associate’s degree earners make up the majority of graduates.
New England and Midwestern states produce the highest rate of master’s degree holders among graduates.
Midwestern states have the highest rate of doctorate and professional degree holders among graduates.
College graduation statistics indicate that western states may attract more graduates than students; 3 of the top 5 metro areas in the United States with the highest percentage of college graduates are in western states.
- 62.5% of Boulder, Colorado residents are college graduates.
- 56.4% of Ann Arbor, Michigan residents are graduates.
- 56.2% of Lawrence, Kansas residents are graduates.
- 53.4% of Corvallis, Oregon residents are college graduates.
- 52.8% of San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara, California residents are college graduates.

Statistical Map of the Annual Number of College Graduates by State

Alabama College Graduation Statistics

60,660 college students graduate annually in Alabama; 26.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

12,300 or 20.3% of annual college graduates in Alabama earn associate’s degrees.
32,500 or 53.6% of Alabama graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
78% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, bachelor’s and master’s program graduates in Alabama are most likely to have degrees in business.
13,200 or 21.8% all annual graduates earn master’s degrees.
2,760 or 4.4% Alabama graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Alaska College Graduation Statistics

3,830 college students graduate annually in Alaska; 18.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

1,220 or 31.9% of annual college graduates in Alaska earn associate’s degrees.
1,920 or 40.1% of Alaska graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
97.7% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, bachelor’s program graduates receive degrees in business more often than any other subject.
628 or 16.4% of all annual graduates earn master’s degrees.
Master’s graduates most likely hold degrees in education.
61 or 1.6% of Alaska graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Arizona College Graduation Statistics

115,530 college students graduate annually in Arizona; 27.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

27,800 or 24.1% of annual college graduates in Arizona earn associate’s degrees.
57,200 or 49.5% of Arizona graduates have bachelor’s degrees.
27.2% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Arizona graduates with bachelor’s degrees are most likely to have earned them in business.
26,900 or 23.3% of all annual graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average master’s program graduate in Arizona most likely has a degree in education.
3,630 or 3.1% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Arkansas College Graduation Statistics

32,340 college students graduate annually in Arkansas; 21.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

9,060 or 28% of annual college graduates in Arkansas earn associate’s degrees.
16,200 or 50.1% of Arkansas college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
84.4% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, bachelor’s program graduates in Arkansas are most likely to have degrees in business.
6,040 or 18.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average master’s program graduate in Arkansas is most likely has a degree in education.
1,040 or 3.2% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

California College Graduation Statistics

487,890 college students graduate annually in California; 20.5% of them earn advanced degrees.

170,890 or 35% of all annual college graduates in California earn associate’s degrees.
216,810 or 44.4% of California annual college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
74.2% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate in California most likely has a degree in business.
80,480 or 16.5% of annual graduates earn master’s degrees.
19,710 or 4.0% of California graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Colorado College Graduation Statistics

66,530 college students graduate annually in Colorado; 26.5% of them earn advanced degrees.

13,400 or 20.1% of all annual college graduates in Colorado earn associate’s degrees.
35,500 or 53.4% of Colorado college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
75.5% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate in Colorado most likely has a degree in business.
14,700 or 22.1% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
2,930 or 4.4% of Colorado graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Connecticut College Graduation Statistics

42,680 college students graduate annually in Connecticut; 31.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

6,280 or 14.7% of all annual college graduates in Connecticut earn associate’s degrees.
22,800 or 53.4% of Connecticut college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
50.4% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Connecticut bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
11,400 or 26.7% of college graduates earn master’s degrees.
2,200 or 5.2% of Connecticut graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Delaware College Graduation Statistics

14,284 college students graduate annually in Delaware; 33.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,121 or 14.8% of all annual college graduates in Delaware earn associate’s degrees.
7,385 or 51.7% of Delaware college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
65.4% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Delaware bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
4,281 or 30.0% of Delaware college graduates earn master’s degrees.
497 or 3.4% of Delaware graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

District of Columbia College Graduation Statistics

26,478 college students graduate annually in DC; 61.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

658 or 2.5% of all annual college graduates in DC earn associate’s degrees.
9,610 or 36.3% of DC college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
3.5% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, DC bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in social sciences and history.
12,810 or 48.4% of DC college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
3,400 or 12.8% of DC graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Florida College Graduation Statistics

241,900 college students graduate annually in Florida; 18.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

93,030 or 38.5% of all annual college graduates in Florida earn associate’s degrees.
104,850 or 43.3% of Florida college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
71.9% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Florida bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
34,750 or 14.4% of Florida college graduates earn master’s degrees.
9,270 or 3.8% of Florida graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Georgia College Graduation Statistics

96,030 college students graduate annually in Georgia; 25.7% of them earn advanced degrees.

18,880 or 19.7% of all annual college graduates in Georgia earn associate’s degrees.
52,540 or 54.7% of Georgia college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
75.7% of Georgia bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
19,740 or 20.6% of college graduates earn master’s degrees.
4,870 or 5.1% of Georgia graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

National Map of Associate's Degree Holders Among Annual Graduates by State

Hawaii College Graduation Statistics

12,813 college students graduate annually in Hawaii; 16.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

4,250 or 33.2% of all annual college graduates in Hawaii earn associate’s degrees.
6,460 or 50.4% of Hawaii college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
72.6% of Hawaii bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Hawaii bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
1,590 or 12.4% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
513 or 4.0% of Hawaii graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Idaho College Graduation Statistics

20,135 college students graduate annually in Idaho; 12.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

5,380 or 26.7% of all annual college graduates in Idaho earn associate’s degrees.
12,310 or 61.1% of Idaho college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
54% of Idaho bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Idaho bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in agriculture and natural resource and conservation science.
2,060 or 10.2% of all annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Idaho master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
385 or 1.9% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Illinois College Graduation Statistics

165,730 college students graduate annually in Illinois; 31.6% of them earn advanced degrees.

37,780 or 22.8% of all annual college graduates in Illinois earn associate’s degrees.
75,610 or 45.6% of Illinois college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
43.6% of Illinois bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Illinois bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
43,530 or 26.3% graduate with master’s degrees.
The average Illinois master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in healthcare.
8,810 or 5.3% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Indiana College Graduation Statistics

79,830 college students graduate annually in Indiana; 24.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

12,150 or 15.2% of Indiana all annual college graduates in Indiana earn associate’s degrees.
47,760 or 59.8% of Indiana college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
69.5% of Indiana bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
15,900 or 19.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
4,020 or 5.0% of Indiana graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Iowa College Graduation Statistics

51,830 college students graduate annually in Iowa; 21.6% of them earn advanced degrees.

13,360 or 25.8% of all annual college graduates in Iowa earn associate’s degrees.
27,290 or 52.7% of Iowa college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
62.6% of Iowa bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Iowa bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
8,230 or 15.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Iowa master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
2,950 or 5.7% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Kansas College Graduation Statistics

40,200 college students graduate annually in Kansas; 22.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

10,690 or 26.6% of all annual college graduates in Kansas have associate’s degrees.
20,310 or 50.5% of Kansas college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
78.4% of Kansas bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Kansas bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
7,530 or 18.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Kansas master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
1,670 or 4.2% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Kentucky College Graduation Statistics

49,070 college students graduate annually in Kentucky; 26.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

11,840 or 24.1% of all annual college graduates in Kentucky earn associate’s degrees.
24,260 or 49.4% of Kentucky college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
78.7% of Kentucky bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Kentucky bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
10,570 or 21.5% of annual college graduates master’s degrees.
The average Kentucky master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
2,400 or 4.9% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Louisiana College Graduation Statistics

39,050 college students graduate annually in Louisiana; 25.6% of them earn advanced degrees.

6,550 or 16.8% of all annual college graduates in Louisiana earn associate’s degrees.
22,500 or 57.6% of Louisiana college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
84.6% of Louisiana bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Louisiana bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
7,590 or 19.4% of annual college graduates in Louisiana earn master’s degrees.
2,410 or 6.2% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Maine College Graduation Statistics

13,169 college students graduate annually in Maine; 22.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,700 or 20.5% of all annual graduates in Maine earn associate’s degrees.
7,570 or 57.5% of Maine college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
58% of Maine bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Maine bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in healthcare.
2,230 or 16.9% graduate with master’s degrees.
669 or 5.1% of annual graduates in Maine earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Maryland College Graduation Statistics

75,513 college students graduate annually in Maryland; 31.8% of them earn advanced degrees.

16,970 or 22.5% of all annual college graduates in Maryland earn associate’s degrees.
34,570 or 45.8% of Maryland college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
81.7% of Maryland bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Maryland bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
20,900 or 27.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
3,073 or 4.1% of annual graduates in Maryland earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Massachusetts College Graduation Statistics

124,140 college students graduate annually in Massachusetts; 40.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

12,650 or 10.2% of all annual college graduates in Massachusetts earn associate’s degrees.
61,780 or 49.8% of Massachusetts college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
35.5% of Massachusetts bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Massachusetts bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
41,250 or 33.2% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
8,460 or 6.8% of graduates in Massachusetts earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Michigan College Graduation Statistics

114,910 college students graduate annually in Michigan; 23.8% of them earn advanced degrees.

26,780 or 23.3% of all annual graduates in Michigan have associate’s degrees.
60,710 or 52.8% of Michigan college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
79.3% of Michigan bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, the average Michigan bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
21,630 or 18.8% graduate with master’s degrees.
5,790 or 5.0% of annual graduates in Michigan earn doctorate or professional degrees.

National Map of Bachelor's Degree Holders Among Annual Graduates by State

Minnesota College Graduation Statistics

84,660 college students graduate annually in Minnesota; 35.8% of them earn advanced degrees.

17,220 or 20.3% of all annual college graduates in Minnesota earn associate’s degrees.
37,150 or 43.9% of Minnesota college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
58% of Minnesota bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Minnesota bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
25,110 or 29.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Minnesota master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
5,180 or 6.1% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Mississippi College Graduation Statistics

36,060 college students graduate annually in Mississippi; 18.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

13,720 or 38% of all annual college graduates in Mississippi earn associate’s degrees.
15,800 or 43.8% of Mississippi college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
37.4% of Mississippi bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Mississippi bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
5,150 or 14.3% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Mississippi master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
1,390 or 3.9% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Missouri College Graduation Statistics

82,740 college students graduate annually in Missouri; 31.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

15,770 or 19.1% of all annual college graduates in Missouri earn associate’s degrees.
41,240 or 49.8% of Missouri college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
55.9% of Missouri bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate in Missouri most likely has a degree in business.
20,660 or 25.0% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
5,070 or 6.1% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Montana College Graduation Statistics

9,837 college students graduate annually in Montana; 17.7% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,200 or 22.4% of all annual college graduates in Montana earn associate’s degrees.
5,890 or 59.9% of Montana college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
86.6% of Montana bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average bachelor’s or master’s program graduate in Montana most likely has a degree in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
1,310 or 13.3% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
437 or 4.4% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Nebraska College Graduation Statistics

26,370 college students graduate annually in Nebraska; 27.7% of them earn advanced degrees.

4,700 or 17.8% of all annual college graduates in Nebraska earn associate’s degrees.
14,370 or 54.5% of Nebraska college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
63.2% of Nebraska bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Nebraska bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
5,640 or 21.4% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Nebraska master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
1,660 or 6.3% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Nevada College Graduation Statistics

18,790 college students graduate annually in Nevada; 17.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

6,130 or 32.6% of all annual college graduates in Nevada earn associate’s degrees.
9,430 or 50.2% of Nevada college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
91.1% of Nevada bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Nevada bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
2,190 or 11.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Nevada master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
1,040 or 5.5% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

New Hampshire College Graduation Statistics

31,194 college students graduate annually in New Hampshire; 31.5% of them earn advanced degrees.

4,190 or 13.4% of all annual college graduates in New Hampshire earn associate’s degrees.
17,200 or 55.1% of New Hampshire college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
31.3% of New Hampshire bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average New Hampshire bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
9,340 or 30.0% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
464 or 1.5% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

New Jersey College Graduation Statistics

88,150 college students graduate annually in New Jersey; 23.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

23,170 or 26.3% of all annual college graduates in New Jersey earn associate’s degrees.
44,370 or 50.3% of New Jersey college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
75.2% of New Jersey bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, New Jersey bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
17,350 or 19.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average New Jersey master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
3,260 or 3.7% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

New Mexico College Graduation Statistics

22,701 college students graduate annually in New Mexico; 17.3% of them earn advanced degrees.

9,890 or 45.6% of all annual college graduates in New Mexico have associate’s degrees.
8,890 or 39.2% of New Mexico college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
96.3% of New Mexico bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, New Mexico bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in business.
3,250 or 14.3% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average New Mexico master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
671 or 3.0% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

New York College Graduation Statistics

296,648 college students graduate annually in New York; 30.3% of them earn advanced degrees.

65,660 or 22.1% of all annual graduates in New York have associate’s degrees.
141,110 or 47.6% of New York college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
47.1% of New York bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average New York bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
75,060 or 25.3% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
14,818 or 5.0% of New York graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

North Carolina College Graduation Statistics

113,310 college students graduate annually in North Carolina; 21.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

33,500 or 29.6% of all annual college graduates in North Carolina earn associate’s degrees.
55,950 or 49.4% of North Carolina college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
72.4% of North Carolina bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, North Carolina bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
18,810 or 16.6% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average North Carolina master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
5,050 or 4.5% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

North Dakota College Graduation Statistics

11,292 college students graduate annually in North Dakota; 21.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,320 or 20.5% of all annual college graduates in North Dakota earn associate’s degrees.
6,580 or 58.3% of North Dakota college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
88.8% of North Dakota bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, North Dakota bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
1,770 or 15.7% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average North Dakota master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in healthcare.
622 or 5.5% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Ohio College Graduation Statistics

132,360 college students graduate annually in Ohio; 22.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

30,400 or 23% of annual college graduates in Ohio earn associate’s degrees.
71,660 or 51.4% of Ohio graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
69.7% of Ohio bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Ohio bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
24,240 or 18.3% of all annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
6,060 or 4.6% of annual graduates in Ohio earn doctorate or professional degrees.

National Map of Master's Degree Holders Among Annual Graduates by State

Oklahoma College Graduation Statistics

40,610 college students graduate annually in Oklahoma; 20.9% of them earn advanced degrees.

10,780 or 26.5% of all annual college graduates in Oklahoma earn associate’s degrees.
21,360 or 52.6% of Oklahoma college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
81.6% of Oklahoma bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Oklahoma bachelor’s master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
6,850 or 16.9% of college graduates earn master’s degrees.
1,620 or 4.0% of Oklahoma graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Oregon College Graduation Statistics

48,360 college students graduate annually in Oregon; 21.5% of them earn advanced degrees.

14,240 or 29.4% of all annual college graduates in Oregon earn associate’s degrees.
23,710 or 49% of Oregon college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
77.7% of Oregon bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Oregon bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
8,190 or 16.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Oregon master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
2,220 or 4.6% of graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Pennsylvania College Graduation Statistics

165,630 college students graduate annually in Pennsylvania; 30.3% of them earn advanced degrees.

23,710 or 14.3% of all annual college graduates in Pennsylvania earn associate’s degrees.
91,830 or 55.4% of Pennsylvania college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
53.2% of Pennsylvania bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Pennsylvania bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
39,570 or 23.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
10,520 or 6.4% of Pennsylvania graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Puerto Rico College Graduation Statistics

34,460 college students graduate annually in Puerto Rico; 19.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

7,590 or 22% of all annual college graduates in Puerto Rico earn associate’s degrees.
20,190 or 58.6% of Puerto Rico college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
35.7% of Puerto Rico bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Puerto Rico bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in healthcare.
5,350 or 15.5% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Puerto Rico master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
1,330 or 3.9% of graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Rhode Island College Graduation Statistics

19,782 college students graduate annually in Rhode Island; 20.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

3,530 or 17.8% of all annual college graduates in Rhode Island earn associate’s degrees.
12,310 or 62.2% of Rhode Island college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
38.8% of Rhode Island bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Rhode Island bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
3,180 or 16.1% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
762 or 3.9% of Rhode Island graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

South Carolina College Graduation Statistics

45,100 college students graduate annually in South Carolina; 18.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

10,590 or 23.5% of all annual college graduates in South Carolina earn associate’s degrees.
26,320 or 58.4% of South Carolina college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
75.1% of South Carolina bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average South Carolina bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
6,310 or 14.0% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
1,880 or 4.2% of South Carolina graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

South Dakota College Graduation Statistics

10,444 college students graduate annually in South Dakota; 21.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,250 or 21.5% of all annual college graduates in South Dakota earn associate’s degrees.
5,990 or 57.4% of South Dakota college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
78.5% of South Dakota bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, South Dakota bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in healthcare.
1,750 or 16.8% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average South Dakota master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in education.
454 or 4.3% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Tennessee College Graduation Statistics

64,930 college students graduate annually in Tennessee; 24.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

13,860 or 21.3% of all annual college graduates in Tennessee earn associate’s degrees.
35,380 or 54.5% of Tennessee college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
63.7% of Tennessee bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Tennessee bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
11,580 or 17.8% of all annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
4,110 or 6.3% of Tennessee graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

National Map of Doctorate and Professional Degree Holders Among Annual Graduates by State

Texas College Graduation Statistics

296,250 college students graduate annually in Texas; 22.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

94,290 or 31.8% of all annual college graduates in Texas earn associate’s degrees.
135,670 or 45.8% of Texas college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
83.1% of Texas bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Texas bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
55,030 or 18.6% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
11,260 or 3.8% of Texas graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Utah College Graduation Statistics

72,730 college students graduate annually in Utah; % of them earn advanced degrees.

13,980 or 19.2% of all annual college graduates in Utah earn associate’s degrees.
40,840 or 56.2% of Utah college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
40.6% of Utah bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Utah bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in healthcare.
16,630 or 22.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Utah master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
1,280 or 1.8% of graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Vermont College Graduation Statistics

10,555 college students graduate annually in Vermont; 27.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

1,080 or 10.2% of all annual college graduates in Vermont earn associate’s degrees.
6,630 or 62.8% of Vermont college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
51% of Vermont bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, Vermont bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
2,470 or 23.4% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average Vermont master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
375 or 3.6% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Virginia College Graduation Statistics

112,240 college students graduate annually in Virginia; 26.8% of them earn advanced degrees.

23,510 or 20.9% of all annual college graduates in Virginia earn associate’s degrees.
58,710 or 52.3% of Virginia college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
64.5% of Virginia bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Virginia bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
24,530 or 21.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
5,490 or 4.9% of Virginia graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Washington College Graduation Statistics

78,050 college students graduate annually in Washington; 16.4% of them earn advanced degrees.

30,990 or 39.7% of all annual college graduates in Washington earn associate’s degrees.
34,220 or 43.8% of Washington college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
78.9% of Washington bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Washington bachelor’s master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
10,090 or 12.9% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
2,750 or 3.5% of Washington graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

West Virginia College Graduation Statistics

30,560 college students graduate annually in West Virginia; 23.2% of them earn advanced degrees.

6,530 or 21.4% of all annual college graduates in West Virginia earn associate’s degrees.
16,950 or 55.5% of West Virginia college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
55.1% of West Virginia bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
Among disciplines, West Virginia bachelor’s program graduates are most likely to have degrees in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
5,950 or 19.5% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
The average West Virginia master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
1,130 or 3.7% of annual graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Map of States and Public Institution College Graduation Rates Among Bachelor's Degree Holders

Wisconsin College Graduation Statistics

62,060 college students graduate annually in Wisconsin; 20.0% of them earn advanced degrees.

12,710 or 20.5% of all annual college graduates in Wisconsin earn associate’s degrees.
36,990 or 59.6% of Wisconsin college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
75% of Wisconsin bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Wisconsin bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in business.
9,530 or 15.4% of annual college graduates earn master’s degrees.
2,830 or 4.6% of Wisconsin graduates earn doctorate or professional degrees.

Wyoming College Graduation Statistics

5,833 college students graduate annually in Wyoming; 13.1% of them earn advanced degrees.

2,940 or 50.4% of all annual college graduates in Wyoming earn associate’s degrees.
2,130 or 36.5% of Wyoming college graduates earn bachelor’s degrees.
100% of Wyoming bachelor’s degree recipients graduate from public institutions.
The average Wyoming bachelor’s or master’s program graduate most likely has a degree in legal studies, communication, agriculture and natural resource science and management, or public works and related fields.
501 or 8.6% graduate with master’s degrees.
262 or 4.5% of annual graduates in Wyoming earn doctorate or professional degrees.

College Graduates in the Military and Territories

U.S. Service Academies confer 3,480 bachelor’s degrees and 4 master’s degrees annually.
Most bachelor’s program graduates and all master’s graduates have degrees in engineering.
After Puerto Rico, Guam confers the most degrees among U.S. territories.
Guam confers 290 associate’s degrees, 500 master’s degrees, and 110 master’s degrees annually.
Most of Guam’s bachelor’s program graduates earn degrees in business while master’s program graduates earn degrees in education.
The Federated States of Micronesia and the U.S. Virgin Islands confer the third- and fourth-most degrees among territories.
All FSM graduates receive associate’s degrees; 70.6% of graduates in the Virgin Islands receive bachelor’s degrees.
In American Samoa, 215 bachelor’s degrees and 10 master’s degrees are conferred annually, most of them in education.

Global College Graduates

Education levels are not universal, so some countries have graduates from postsecondary programs that have no equivalent in other nations. Programs levels also have different labels and equivalencies.

Worldwide, the United States of America ranks 19^th in college graduation rates.
Australia has the most educated population in the world.
Luxembourg has the least educated population.
Women are most likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Australia.
Women are most likely to graduate with a master’s degree in the Slovak Republic.
Switzerland has the highest rate of graduates with doctorate and professional degrees.
Austria has the highest rate of college educated teenagers.
The most educated people aged 65 and older live in the United Kingdom.

Australia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 25 million; 1.9% of Australians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

466,640 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 121,580 annual associate program graduates.
235,560 annual bachelor program graduates.
100,720 annual master program graduates.
8,780 annual doctoral program graduates.

Austria College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 8.8 million; 1.0% of Austrians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

84,260 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 26,130 annual associate program graduates.
28,590 annual bachelor program graduates.
26,760 annual master program graduates.
2,780 annual doctoral program graduates.

Belgium College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 11.4 million; 1.0% of Belgians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

116,670 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 2,870 annual associate program graduates.
69,800 annual bachelor program graduates.
40,950 annual master program graduates.
3,050 annual doctoral program graduates.

Brazil College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 205.3 million; 0.7% of Brazillians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

1.4 million students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 490 annual associate program graduates.
1.3 million annual bachelor program graduates.
65,190 annual master program graduates.
22,930 annual doctoral program graduates.

Canada College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 37.0 million; 1.3% of Canadians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

471,100 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 194,910 annual associate program graduates.
203,150 annual bachelor program graduates.
64,790 annual master program graduates.
8,250 annual doctoral program graduates.

Chile College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 18.8 million; 1.3% of Chileans graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

239,800 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 83,720 annual associate program graduates.
115,270 annual bachelor program graduates.
40,000 annual master program graduates.
810 annual doctoral program graduates.

Colombia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 49.8 million; 1.0% of Colombians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

482,120 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 154,140 annual associate program graduates.
226,500 annual bachelor program graduates.
100,680 annual master program graduates.
800 annual doctoral program graduates.

Costa Rica College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 4.9 million; 0.9% of Costa Ricans graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

46,150 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 5,290 annual associate program graduates.
36,050 annual bachelor program graduates.
4,720 annual master program graduates.
90 annual doctoral program graduates.

Czech Republic College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 10.6 million; 0.7% of Czechs graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

76,160 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 390 annual associate program graduates.
40,290 annual bachelor program graduates.
33,070 annual master program graduates.
2,410 annual doctoral program graduates.

Denmark College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 5.8 million; 1.4% of Danes graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

81,570 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 10,570 annual associate program graduates.
44,220 annual bachelor program graduates.
24,690 annual master program graduates.
2,090 annual doctoral program graduates.

Estonia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 1.3 million; 0.7% of Estonians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

9,060 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
No associates programs available.
Among the total number of graduates are 5,500 annual bachelor program graduates.
3,320 annual master program graduates.
240 annual doctoral program graduates.

Finland College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 5.5 million; 1.1% of Finns graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

57,790 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
No associates programs available.
Among the total number of graduates are 37,550 annual bachelor program graduates.
18,370 annual master program graduates.
1,870 annual doctoral program graduates.

France College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 66.6 million; 1.2% of French people graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

795,960 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 220,270 annual associate program graduates.
263,030 annual bachelor program graduates.
298,930 annual master program graduates.
13,730 annual doctoral program graduates.

Germany College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 82.2 million; 0.7% of Germans graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

564,696 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 186 annual associate program graduates.
320,300 annual bachelor program graduates.
216,370 annual master program graduates.
27,840 annual doctoral program graduates.

Greece College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 10.8 million; 0.7% of Greeks graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

70,310 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
No associate programs available.
Among the total number of graduates are 48,000 annual bachelor program graduates.
20,750 annual master program graduates.
1,560 annual doctoral program graduates.

Hungary College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 9.8 million; 0.7% of Hungarians graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

65,080 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 3,250 annual associate program graduates.
40,540 annual bachelor program graduates.
20,000 annual master program graduates.
1,290 annual doctoral program graduates.

Iceland College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 332,000; 1.3% of Icelanders graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

4,390 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 100 annual associate program graduates.
2,910 annual bachelor program graduates.
1,320 annual master program graduates.
60 annual doctoral program graduates.

Ireland College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 4.7 million; 1.8% of people in Ireland graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

84,040 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 12,760 annual associate program graduates.
47,410 annual bachelor program graduates.
22,400 annual master program graduates.
1,470 annual doctoral program graduates.

Israel College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 8.5 million; 1.0% of people in Israel graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

83,100 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
No associate programs available.
Among the total number of graduates are 56,270 annual bachelor program graduates.
25,260 annual master program graduates.
1,570 annual doctoral program graduates.

Italy College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 60.7 million; 0.7% of people in Italy graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

399,860 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 3,540 annual associate program graduates.
223,430 annual bachelor program graduates.
164,890 annual master program graduates.
8,000 annual doctoral program graduates.

Japan College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 127.1 million; 0.8% of people in Japan graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

980,070 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 302,830 annual associate program graduates.
560,260 annual bachelor program graduates.
101,290 annual master program graduates.
15,690 annual doctoral program graduates.

Korea College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 51.2 million; 1.2% of people in South Korea graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

611,010 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 167,490 annual associate program graduates.
347,180 annual bachelor program graduates.
81,670 annual master program graduates.
14,670 annual doctoral program graduates.

Latvia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 2.0 million; 0.8% of people in Latvia graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

15,360 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 3,360 annual associate program graduates.
7,670 annual bachelor program graduates.
4,210 annual master program graduates.
120 annual doctoral program graduates.

Lithuania College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 2.9 million; 0.9% of people in Lithuania graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

26,290 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
No associate programs available.
Among the total number of graduates are 18,980 annual bachelor program graduates.
6,960 annual master program graduates.
350 annual doctoral program graduates.

Luxembourg College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 576,000; 0.3% of people in Luxembourg graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

1,760 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 260 annual associate program graduates.
630 annual bachelor program graduates.
730 annual master program graduates.
140 annual doctoral program graduates.

Mexico College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 121.0 million; 0.7% of people in Mexico graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

791,970 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 52,960 annual associate program graduates.
624,410 annual bachelor program graduates.
104,110 annual master program graduates.
10,490 annual doctoral program graduates.

Netherlands College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 17.0 million; 0.9% of people in the Netherlands graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

159,570 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 2,280 annual associate program graduates.
104,950 annual bachelor program graduates.
47,560 annual master program graduates.
4,780 annual doctoral program graduates.

New Zealand College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 4.7 million; 1.7% of people in New Zealand graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

79,700 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 21,610 annual associate program graduates.
49,330 annual bachelor program graduates.
7,350 annual master program graduates.
1,410 annual doctoral program graduates.

Norway College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 5.2 million; 1.0% of people in Norway graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

54,380 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 2,780 annual associate program graduates.
34,570 annual bachelor program graduates.
15,530 annual master program graduates.
1,500 annual doctoral program graduates.

Poland College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 38.0 million; 1.2% of people in Poland graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

469,990 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 50 annual associate program graduates.
314,720 annual bachelor program graduates.
151,560 annual master program graduates.
3,660 annual doctoral program graduates.

Portugal College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 10.3 million; 0.8% of people in Portugal graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

79,860 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 3,760 annual associate program graduates.
48,810 annual bachelor program graduates.
25,020 annual master program graduates.
2,270 annual doctoral program graduates.

Russia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 146.5 million; 1.0% of people in Russia graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

1.49 million students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 506,870 annual associate program graduates.
732,630 annual bachelor program graduates.
236,860 annual master program graduates.
18,320 annual doctoral program graduates.

Slovak Republic College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 5.4 million; 0.8% of people in the Slovak Republic graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

44,480 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 820 annual associate program graduates.
20,560 annual bachelor program graduates.
21,690 annual master program graduates.
1,410 annual doctoral program graduates.

Slovenia College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 2.1 million; 0.8% of people in Slovenia graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

16,680 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 1,990 annual associate program graduates.
8,800 annual bachelor program graduates.
5,430 annual master program graduates.
460 annual doctoral program graduates.

Spain College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 46.4 million; 1.0% of people in Mexico graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

461,140 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 129,200 annual associate program graduates.
179,250 annual bachelor program graduates.
135,400 annual master program graduates.
17,290 annual doctoral program graduates.

Sweden College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 9.9 million; 0.8% of people in Sweden graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

75,710 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 8,950 annual associate program graduates.
35,070 annual bachelor program graduates.
28,480 annual master program graduates.
3,210 annual doctoral program graduates.

Switzerland College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 8.3 million; 1.0% of people in Switzerland graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

80,462 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 312 annual associate program graduates.
50,130 annual bachelor program graduates.
25,860 annual master program graduates.
4,160 annual doctoral program graduates.

Turkey College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 78.7 million; 1.1% of people in Turkey graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

845,860 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 316,470 annual associate program graduates.
439,040 annual bachelor program graduates.
83,020 annual master program graduates.
7,330 annual doctoral program graduates.

United Kingdom College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 65.4 million; 1.2% of people in the United Kingdom graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

817,340 students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 115,500 annual associate program graduates.
418,700 annual bachelor program graduates.
253,670 annual master program graduates.
29,470 annual doctoral program graduates.

United States College Graduation Statistics

The national population totals 331.0 million; 1.2% of people in the United States graduate from a postsecondary or postgraduate program each year.

3.99 million students graduate from postsecondary and postgraduate programs annually.
Among the total number of graduates are 1.01 million annual associate program graduates.
1.98 million annual bachelor program graduates.
820,100 annual master program graduates.
184,070 annual doctoral program graduates.

Analysis: Increasing Dependence on Public Education

U.S. college graduation statistics indicate greater student success among public institution attendees. Further, while postsecondary student enrollment is on a 10-year downward trend, public, 4-year schools are the only academic institutions to see an increase in enrollment during that time.

These data suggest an increased dependence on publicly funded education at the postsecondary level. This does not necessarily indicate greater value placed on public education; as degrees from private institutions become rarer, their perceived value may increase. Additionally, public, 2-year institutions or community colleges have seen a 27% decline in enrollment since 2010, whereas private, 4-year schools have lost 9% of their students in the same period.

Contributing factors may include the ever-rising national student loan debt and demand for an educated labor force. Students may work for a few years before attending college to avoid having to borrow. Others may forgo a college education altogether, especially those who would be less academically inclined and, therefore, more likely to drop out. Correspondingly, students who do attend college may feel greater pressure to graduate on time in order to maximize their investment, reduce debt, and earn a living wage.