Quick Facts on College Completion

Completing a quality degree is key to unlocking the full range of benefits of higher education, including securing meaningful employment that supports a student’s ability to repay their loans. Breaking down persistent barriers to degree completion is crucial to ensure all students are provided reliable pathways to more secure futures, however, a new analysis on completion finds millions of adults leave college before completing a degree.

New quick facts on college completion show that while a college degree or credential is key to job security and increased earnings, differential earnings and repayment outcomes among completers persist by college, program, and race. The findings underscore the need for policymakers to improve the quality of programs funded by federal financial aid, strengthen institutional accountability for a broader range of student outcomes, and close racial and economic inequities in higher education.