83+ College Graduate Statistics Of 2023: Students, Age & Gender

Obtaining a college degree has become an increasingly necessary prerequisite for securing a successful career, and as such, the demand for college graduates has risen in many industries.

This has led to a growing interest in understanding college graduate statistics, such as the percentage of individuals who complete their degree, their major, and graduates by gender, age, and ethnicity.

These statistics can provide valuable insights into the state of higher education and the workforce, as well as guide students in making informed decisions about their academic and career paths. 

 In this article, we will explore some of the most important college graduate statistics.

College Graduate Statistics (Top Picks)

College Graduate Statistics - Overview
  1.  23.50% of bachelor’s degree graduates complete their graduation in more than four years.
  1. Among the college graduates of 2022, the unemployment rate was 4%.
  1. Harvard University’s graduation rate of four years graduation is 89.69%, and six years of graduation is 98.02%
  1. Enrollment in public four years programs was 45.8% in 2022.
  1. 47.6% of students enrolled for bachelor’s degrees in 2022.
  1. 18.30% or 730,394 college graduates earned degrees in STEM in the U.S.
  1. Of the total college graduates, 59.10% of college graduates are White/Caucasian.
  1.  2,410,070 White/Caucasians are college graduates in the U.S.
  1. 61.40% or 625,154 women graduated with an associate’s degree.
  1. 38.60% or 393,013 men graduated with an associate’s degree.
  1. 63.8% of the college students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the age of 18 and below.

12. California is at the top in the number of college graduates, with 487,890.

13. Alaska state has the lowest number of college graduates, with 3830

14. The overall dropout rate is 40% in the U.S.

15. The number of college graduates has increased at an annual rate of 2.8% over the last 10 years. In 2020, 4.090 million or 20.4% of all college students, graduated.

General College Graduate Statistics

16. Almost 18% of college graduates finish their four years of study on time. 

17. About 31.60% of associate’s degree graduates finish their two years of study on time.

  1. 23.50% of bachelor’s degree graduates complete their graduation in more than four years.
  1. The public college’s graduation rate has increased by 15%.
  1. 49.80% of college graduates have a bachelor’s degree.
  1. The annual rate of graduates has increased by 2.80% every year for the last ten years.  
  1. In 2020, over 4.09 million college students graduated.
  1. Among the college graduates of 2022, the unemployment rate was 4%.
  1. Harvard University’s graduation rate of four years graduation is 89.69%, and six years of graduation is 98.02%.
  2. The global average of college graduates is 38%. This means that about 2 out of 5 adults in the world have a college degree.
  3. The United States has the highest percentage of college graduates in the world, with 46% of adults having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Canada is second with 35%, followed by the United Kingdom with 34%.
  4. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults and 28% of Black adults

Here is a table showing the graduation rate of 4 and 6 years graduation by the university. 

University/CollegeFour YearsSix Years
Princeton University89.69%98.02%
Harvard University85.93%97.63%
Swarthmore College91.38%97.29%
The University of Notre Dame97%
Yale University83.95%96.39%
Columbia University85.72%96.21%
The University of Chicago90.72%95.98%
Williams College89.01%95.97%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology86.63%95.58%
Duke University88.42%95.52%

Source: Education Data, Research.com

Collage Graduates Enrollment Statistics

College enrollment rates have been on the rise in recent years, with an increasing number of high school graduates and adult learners choosing to pursue higher education.

Understanding college enrollment statistics is important for policymakers, educators, and students, as it can provide insights into the changing landscape of higher education.

In this article, we will examine some of the most important college graduate enrollment statistics, including enrollment rates by institutions, colleges, and universities. 

College Graduate Statistics - Enrollment

By understanding these statistics, we can gain a better understanding of the state of higher education and the opportunities and challenges facing college students today.

28. In fall 2023, there were 16.9 million students enrolled at a postsecondary institution. About 14.2 million students were enrolled in an undergraduate program. Roughly 3 million were enrolled in a graduate-level program.

29. Enrollment in public institutions for four-year programs was 45.8% in 2022.

30. In 2023, there were 3.0 million graduate students enrolled, up from 2.9 million in 2022. The number of students enrolled in online programs is also increasing. In 2023, there were 6.7 million students enrolled in online programs, up from 6.5 million in 2022.

Here is a table showing enrollment in college by school type in 2022.

School TypePercentage Of Enrollment
Public-4 years45.8%
Public-2 years26.4%
Private non-profit-4 years23.3%
Private for-profit- 4 years4.5%

31. 47.6% of students enrolled for bachelor’s degrees in 2022.

Here is a table showing college enrollment by Degree level.

Degree LevelPercentage Of Enrollment
Bachelor47.6%
Associate24%
Professional17.5%
Other undergraduate10.9%

32. 47.6% of students enrolled for bachelor’s degrees in 2022.

Here is a table showing Full-time and Part-time enrollment in 2020.

EnrollmentFull-TimePart-Time
All colleges63%37%
Public-4 years71.6%28.4%
Public-2 years44.4%55.6%
Private non-profit-4 years77.7%22.3%
Private for-profit- 4 years61.2%38.8%

33. In 2022, 74% of total enrolled students enrolled online for at least one course.

34. 46% of students enrolled exclusively for online courses in 2022.

    35. Experts predicted that 14.89 million students will enroll in public colleges by 2029.

      Here is a table showing expected figures for enrollment in the years 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029.

      YearPublic CollegesPrivate Colleges
      2023*14.7 million5.16 million
      2025*14.8 million5.2 million
      2027*14.88 million5.22 million
      2029*14.89 million5.22 million

                   *Projected 

      Source: Bestcolleges.com

      College Graduates By Major Statistics

      Choosing a major is a significant decision for any college student, as it can have an impact on their career prospects and earning potential after graduation.  As such, understanding college graduates by major statistics is essential for students and educators. 

      These statistics can provide insights into the popularity of various majors among college students. 

      By understanding these statistics, students can make more informed decisions about their academic and career paths, and educators and policymakers can better understand the changing landscape of higher education and the workforce.

      36. 18.30% or 730,394 college graduates earned degrees in STEM in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of the degrees in STEM college graduates in the United States.

      STEM College GraduatesPercentage Of College GraduatesNumber Of College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree12.90%94,487
      Bachelor’s Degree59.20%432,077
      Master’s Degree23%168,096
      Doctorate4.90%35,734

      37. 16.70% or 699,505 college graduates earned degrees in business in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Business college graduates in the United States. 

      Business College GraduatesPercentage Of College GraduatesNumber Of College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree16.80%117,782
      Bachelor’s Degree18.50%386,201
      Master’s Degree27.50%192,184
      Doctorate0.48%3,338

      38. 15.80% or 631,486 college graduates earned degrees in Healthcare in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Healthcare college graduates in the United States.

      Healthcare College GraduatesPercentage of College GraduatesNumber of College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree28.70%181,056
      Bachelor’s Degree38.80%244,909
      Master’s Degree20.40%125,216
      Doctorate12.70%80,305

      39. 11.10% or 444,754 college graduates earned degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of the Liberal Arts and Sciences college graduates in the United States. 

      Liberal Arts And Sciences College GraduatesPercentage Of College GraduatesNumber Of College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree89.50%397,926
      Bachelor’s Degree10%44,262
      Master’s Degree0.56%2,473
      Doctorate0.020%93

      40. 6.40% or 257,950 college graduates earned degrees in Education in the U.S.

      41. The percentage of college graduates who major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields has been increasing in recent years. In 2023, 18.3% of college graduates earned a degree in a STEM field.

      42. The percentage of college graduates who major in liberal arts and sciences has been declining in recent years. In 2023, 11.1% of college graduates earned a degree in a liberal arts and sciences field.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Education college graduates in the United States.

      Education College GraduatesPercentage of College GraduatesNumber of College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree6.30%16,182
      Bachelor’s Degree32%82,621
      Master’s Degree56.70%146,367
      Doctorate5%12,780

      43. 4.67% of college graduates earned degrees in Visual and Performing arts disciplines.

      44. 19.5% of college graduates earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

      Here is a table showing the total Bachelor’s program Graduates’ degree disciplines.

      Degree DisciplineBachelor’s Program Graduates
      Business19.48%
      Healthcare12.17%
      Social science and History8.13%
      Psychology5.97%
      Biological and Biomedical Science5.97
      Engineering5.91%
      Communications and Journalism4.79%
      Visual and Performing Arts4.67%
      Education4.35%
      Other fields28.55%

      Source: Education Data, 

      College Graduates By Ethnicity Statistics

      Understanding the college graduates by ethnicity statistics is an essential step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system. 

      These statistics provide insights into the representation of different ethnic groups among college graduates, as well as the disparities in educational outcomes that exist across the ethnic group.

      In this section, we will explore some of the most important college graduates by ethnicity statistics, including graduation rates by Ethnicity, breakdown of total graduation rates, etc.

      College Graduate Statistics - Ethnicity

      By understanding these statistics, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accessible higher education system that provides all students with the opportunity to succeed.

      45. Of the total college graduates, 59.10% of college graduates are White/Caucasian.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of college graduates by Ethnicity in 2023.

      EthnicityPercentage Of College Graduates
      White/Caucasians62.3%
      Latino/Hispanic44.6%
      Black/African American28.2%
      Non-residents6.68%
      Pacific Islanders/Asians25.1%
      With two or more ethnicity2.85%
      Alaska Native/American Indians0.60%

      46. 59.10% or 2,410,070 White/Caucasians are college graduates in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of White/Caucasian college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage of White/Caucasian College GraduatesNumber Of White/Caucasian College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree25.70%618,200
      Bachelor’s Degree51%1.230 million
      Master’s Degree18.70%451,060
      Doctorate4.60%110,810

      47. 13.10% or 532,720 Latino/Hispanic are college graduates in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Latino/Hispanic college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage Of Latino/Hispanic College GraduatesNumber Of Latino/Hispanic College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree40.10%213,400
      Bachelor’s Degree45.30%241,560
      Master’s Degree12.30%65,610
      Doctorate2.30%12,150

      48. 11.10% or 452,760 Black/African American are college graduates in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Black/African American college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage Of Black/African American College GraduatesNumber of Black/African American College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree32.30%146,300
      Bachelor’s Degree44.20%199,980
      Master’s Degree20.50%92,670
      Doctorate3.10%13,810

      49. 6.60% or 268,680 Pacific Islanders/Asians are college graduates in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Pacific Islanders/Asian college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage of Pacific Islanders/Asians College GraduatesNumber Of Pacific Islanders/Asian College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree21.70%58,300
      Bachelor’s Degree53.10%142,560
      Master’s Degree17.70%47,570
      Doctorate7.50%20,250

      50. 0.60% or 24,820 Alaska Native/American Indians are college graduates in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of Alaska Native/American Indians college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage of Alaska Native/American Indian College GraduatesNumber Of Alaska Native/American Indian college Graduates
      Associate’s Degree39.90%9,900
      Bachelor’s Degree39.90%9,900
      Master’s Degree16.50%4,100
      Doctorate3.70%920

      51. 2.90% or 116,350 college graduates are of two or more ethnicity in the U.S. 

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of two or more ethnic college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage Of Two Or More Ethnic College GraduatesNumber Of Two Or More Ethnic College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree27.40%31,900
      Bachelor’s Degree54.50%63,360
      Master’s Degree14.80%17,220
      Doctorate3.30%3,870

      52. 6.70% or 272,410 college graduates are non-residents in the U.S.

      Here is a table showing the total breakdown of non-resident college graduates in the United States.

      College GraduatesPercentage Of Non-Resident College GraduatesNumber Of Non-Resident College Graduates
      Associate’s Degree7.80%21,140
      Bachelor’s Degree32%87,120
      Master’s Degree52.10%141,880
      Doctorate8.20%22,270

      Source: Education Data

      College Graduates By Gender Statistics

      As the number of college graduates in the United States continues to increase, it is important to understand how gender disparities persist in higher education. 

      According to recent statistics, women now make up the majority of college graduates in the United States, with a higher percentage of earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees than men.

      This section explores the current state of college graduates by gender, examining trends in enrollment and graduation rates.

      53. 61.40% or 625,154 women graduated with an associate’s degree.

      54. 38.60% or 393,013 men graduated with an associate’s degree. 

      55. 57.70% or 1,177,168 women graduated with bachelor’s degrees.

      56. 42.30% or 863985 men graduated with bachelor’s degrees.

      57. 61.40% or 517,758 women graduated with master’s degrees.

        58. 38.60% or 325496 men graduated with master’s degrees.

        59. 55.20% or 104,953 women graduated with doctorate degrees.

        60. 44.80% or 85179 men graduated with doctorate degrees.

        61. In the bachelor’s degree, women have been outnumbered since 2015.

        62. The gap in college graduation rates between women and men is wider among older adults. In 2023, 28.9% of women ages 25-34 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 24.8% of men in the same age group.

        63. The gap in college graduation rates between women and men is narrower among younger adults. In 2023, 41.1% of women ages 18-24 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 37.3% of men in the same age group.

        Here is a table showing the graduation rate of women and men.

        GenderPublic InstitutionPrivate/Non-Profit InstitutionPrivate/For-Profit Institution
        Women64%70%25%
        Men58%64%26%

        Source: Education Data, 

        College Graduates By Age Statistics

        The majority of graduates are typically in their early to mid-20s. There are also a significant number of individuals who earn their degrees later in life

        In recent years, there has been a growing trend of adults returning to school to pursue higher education or to complete degrees they may have started earlier in life. 

        In this section, we will examine the latest statistics on college graduates by different age groups, enrollment trends, and graduation rates. 

        By analyzing the data, we can gain a better understanding of how age affects college degrees. 

        64. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, around 36% of Americans aged 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

        65. 63.8% of the college students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the age of 18 and below.

        Here is a table showing the bachelor’s degree enrollment percentage by age.

        AgePercentage
        18 and below63.80%
        19 years old59.90%
        20 to 23 years old29.40%
        24 to 29 years old20.40%
        Above 30 years old16.40%

        66. Enrollment of 18 and 19 years students has increased by 71.20% since 1970

        Here is a table showing the increase in enrollment by age. (50 years period-from 1970 to 2020)

        Age Increased In Enrollment
        18 and 19 years old71.20%
        20 and 21 years old35.70%
        22 to 24 years old27%
        25 to 29 years old69.30%
        30 to 34 years old 50%

        Source: Education data, Research.com

        College Graduates By States

        While a college degree can provide individuals with increased career opportunities and earning potential, access to higher education can vary significantly by State.

        In some parts of the country, college enrollment and graduation rates are much higher than in others. 

        In this section, we will examine the latest statistics on college graduates by State, providing insights into the geographic differences in college graduates by State. 

        College Graduates By States

        Whether you are a student considering your options for higher education or an employer seeking to understand the talent pool in your area, this article provides valuable insights into the role of geography in college attainment and the workforce.

        Here is an image showing a percentage of undergrads who graduated within six years by State.

        67. California is at the top in the number of college graduates, with 487,890.

        68. Alaska state has the least number of college graduates, with 3830.  

        Here is a table showing the total number of college graduates by state.

        StateNumber Of College Graduates
        California487890
        New York296648
        Texas296648
        Florida241900
        Illinois165730
        Pennsylvania165630
        Ohio132360
        Massachusetts124140
        Arizona115530
        North Carolina113310
        Michigan114910
        Virginia112240
        Georgia96030
        New Jersey88150
        Minnesota84660
        Missouri82740
        Indiana79830
        Washington78050
        Maryland75513
        Utah72730
        Colorado66530
        Tennessee64930
        Wisconsin62060
        Alabama60660
        Lowa51830
        Kentucky49070
        Oregon48360
        South Carolina45100
        Connecticut 42680
        Oklahoma40610
        Kansas40200
        Louisiana39050
        Mississippi36060
        Puerto Rico34460
        Arkansas32340
        New Hampshire31194
        West Virginia30560
        DC26478
        Nebraska26370
        New Mexico22701
        Idaho20135
        Rhode19782
        Nevada18790
        Delaware14284
        Maine13169
        Hawaii12813
        North Dakota11292
        Vermont10555
        South Dakota10444
        Montana9837
        Whyming5833
        Alaska3830

        Here is a table showing the total breakdown of college graduates in the top 5 states of the United States.

        69. California

        College GraduatesPercentage Of California College GraduatesNumber Of California College Graduates
        Associate’s Degree35%170,890
        Bachelor’s Degree44.40%216,810
        Master’s Degree16.50%80,480
        Doctorate4.00%19,710

        70. New York

        College GraduatesPercentage Of New York College GraduatesNumber Of New York College Graduates
        Associate’s Degree22.10%65,660
        Bachelor’s Degree47.60%141,110
        Master’s Degree25.30%75,060
        Doctorate5.00%14,818

        71. Texas

        College GraduatesPercentage Of Texas College GraduatesNumber Of Texas College Graduates
        Associate’s Degree31.80%94,290
        Bachelor’s Degree45.80%135,670
        Master’s Degree18.60%55,030
        Doctorate3.80%11,260

        72. Florida

        College GraduatesPercentage Of Florida GraduatesNumber Of Florida Graduates
        Associate’s Degree30.50%93,030
        Bachelor’s Degree43.30%104,850
        Master’s Degree14.40%34,750
        Doctorate3.80%9,270

        73. Illinois

        College GraduatesPercentage Of Illinois GraduatesNumber Of Illinois Graduates
        Associate’s Degree22.80%37,780
        Bachelor’s Degree45.60%75,610
        Master’s Degree26.30%43,530
        Doctorate5.30%8,810

        Source: Education data, Research.com

        College Dropouts Statistics

        While college enrollment and graduation rates have been on the rise in recent years, a significant number of students still drop out of college before completing their degrees.  

        The reasons for dropping out can vary widely, from financial difficulties to academic struggles to personal or family issues. Whatever the cause, dropping out of college can have significant long-term consequences, impacting career opportunities and earning potential.

        In this section, we will examine the latest statistics on college dropout and explore trends in dropout rates.

        74. The overall dropout rate is 40% in the U.S.

        75. 1 out of 4 dropout students is a first-year student.

        76. College dropout’s unemployment rate is 18.6%.

        77. 40% of dropouts come from where students’ parents also did not complete their college. 

        78. Students with high loans are less likely to drop out than those with fewer loans.

        79. 19 years old students are less likely to drop out of college.

          80. Students between the ages of 20 to 29 are more likely to drop out of college.

          81. 35% of students drop out from an associate program of 2 years.

          Source: Research.com

          COVID-19 Pandemic And College Graduation Rate Statistics

          The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on nearly every aspect of life, and higher education has been no exception. 

          With colleges and universities around the world forced to move to online instruction and social distancing measures, many students have experienced significant disruption to their academic progress.

          This section will examine the latest statistics on college graduation rates and enrollment of students in college in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

          82. Enrollment during COVID-19 Pandemic was lower by 2.7% than in previous years of the Pandemic.

          83. The dropout rate was also higher during the Pandemic than in previous years.  

          Source: Prosperity for America

          Related Read:

          Conclusion: College Graduate Statistics (2023) 

          The statistics on college graduates provide valuable insights into the state of higher education in the United States. 

          While the overall trend in recent years has been toward increased college enrollment and graduation rates, significant disparities still exist in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, and geography.

          Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has introduced new challenges and disruptions to higher education.

          By working together to support and empower all students to succeed, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our society as a whole. 

          These statistics have been changing every year, and we will be updating you with the most recent statistics of college graduates statists from time to time.

          FAQs

           What percentage of American graduate from college?

          According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, around 36% of Americans aged 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

           What percentage of students actually finish college and get a degree?

          The percentage of students who actually finish college and earn a degree varies depending on the type of degree, the institution attended, and various other factors such as socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, and academic preparedness. 

          What is the average age to finish a degree? 

          Typically, the average age is 21. Still, the average age to finish a degree can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of degree pursued, whether the student is attending college full-time or part-time, and whether the student takes any breaks or leaves of absence during their studies.

          Ryan Harris

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