NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS

Statistical Analysis Report March 2000

Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study

(BPS:96/98)

Descriptive Summary of 1995–96

Beginning Postsecondary

Students: Three Years Later

With an Essay on Students Who Start at

Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

Lutz Berkner

Laura Horn

Michael Clune

MPR Associates, Inc.

C. Dennis Carroll

Project Officer

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Educational Research and Improvement NCES 2000–154
U.S. Department of Education

Richard W. Riley

Secretary

Office of Educational Research and Improvement

C. Kent McGuire

Assistant Secretary

National Center for Education Statistics

Gary W. Phillips

Acting Commissioner

Postsecondary Division

C. Dennis Carroll

Associate Commissioner

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting, analyzing,

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March 2000

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Suggested Citation

U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Descriptive Summary of 1995–96

Beginning Postsecondary Students: Three Years Later, NCES 2000–154, by Lutz Berkner, Laura Horn,

and Michael Clune. Project Officer: C. Dennis Carroll. Washington, DC: 2000.

Contact:

Aurora D’Amico

(202) 219-1365
iii

Executive Summary

Of the roughly 3 million students who first

enrolled in postsecondary education in 1995–96,

about 40 percent began in 4-year institutions

(usually in bachelor’s degree programs), but the

majority began at less-than-4-year institutions,

including one-half at 2-year institutions and about

10 percent at less-than-2-year institutions (figure

A). Less-than-2-year institutions offer only

vocational certificate programs that can be

completed anywhere from a few months to just

under two years. Two-year institutions offer both

certificates and associate’s degrees that require

two to three years of full-time enrollment. The

students who started at these less-than-4-year

institutions in 1995–96 could have completed a

certificate or associate’s degree program by 1998,

while those in 4-year bachelor’s degree programs

would normally just be completing their junior

year of college.

The subject of this report is the persistence and

degree attainment after three years of the students

who began postsecondary education in 1995–96,

with a focus on those who started in less-than-4-

Figure A—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to level of institution

Figure A—first attended and among those in less-than-4-year institutions, the percentage distribution according

Figure A—to institution control

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Less-than2-year

2-year

4-year 41

9

50

Control of

less-than-2-year institutions 

Public

Private,

for-profit

80

19

Private, not-for-profit

(1)

Control of

2-year institutions 

Public

91

Private, for-profit

(7)

Private, not-for-profit

(2)

First institution attended
Executive Summary

iv

year institutions. Attainment means that the

student completed a program and earned a degree,

defined broadly as including certificates.

Persistence refers to all those who continued to be

enrolled until they completed a program, and

therefore includes those who attained a degree.

Students who transferred from their original

institution and continued to be enrolled or

completed a program elsewhere have also

persisted.

Figure B displays information about the

persistence and attainment three years after

students first enrolled in 1995–96. Each institution

sector is shown separately. Among those who

started in 4-year institutions, 18 percent had left

postsecondary education without a degree, about

three-fourths were still enrolled without a degree,

and a small percentage had attained a degree

(mostly certificates and associate’s). That is, about

80 percent had persisted, but not necessarily at the

institution where they first started.1 Among those

who started at 2-year and at less-than-2-year

institutions, about 40 percent had left

postsecondary education within three years. The

majority of those who started at less-than-2-year

institutions had attained a certificate or degree (58

percent), compared with 18 percent of those who

started at 2-year institutions.

As shown in figure A above, most of the

beginning students who enrolled in the 2-year

sector (91 percent) attended public institutions,

usually community colleges. Most of those in the

 

1Twenty percent of the freshmen transferred out of their initial 4-year institution.

Figure B—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students after three years according to

Figure B—enrollment status and attainment (anywhere), by level of first institution attended

*One percent bachelor’s degree; 3 percent associate’s and certificates.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Because of a small difference in the number of missing values at less-than2-year institutions, the 6 percent still enrolled is slightly lower than in table 2. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Level of first institution attended

58

18

39

77

43 36

18

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Less-than-2-year 2-year 4-year

Percent

No degree, left postsecondary education

by spring 1998

No degree, still enrolled in

postsecondary education spring 1998

Attained a degree or certificate anywhere

by spring 1998

6

4*
Executive Summary

v

less-than-2-year sector (80 percent) attended

private, for-profit institutions (also known as

proprietary or private career schools). The

community colleges have a broad range of

missions, from job training to offering lower

division courses for students who want to transfer

to 4-year institutions. The private, for-profit

institutions generally only offer programs that

prepare students for specific occupations.

The rest of the essay will focus on the lessthan-4-year institutions, comparing the students

who started at public with those who started at

private, for-profit institutions in terms of their

degree programs, goals, and enrollment patterns.

The analysis differentiates between students in

certificate and associate’s degree programs and

further separates students in associate’s degree

programs into applied and liberal arts fields. One

of the main questions addressed is why students

who begin at less-than-4-year public institutions

have lower rates of attainment than those who

begin at private, for-profit institutions.2

Programs, Degree Goals, and

Purpose

In order to make a meaningful comparison

between students who begin their postsecondary

education at less-than-4-year public and private,

for-profit institutions, it is important to examine

 

2The analysis excludes about 2 percent of the students who

are in less-than-4-year private, not-for-profit institutions

(primarily junior colleges).

Figure C—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in public and

Figure C—private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions, by first program and field of study and by first degree

Figure C—goal

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Public

None Certificate

Bachelor’s/ 

transfer to 

4-year Associate’s 

degree

15

47

24

15

Private, for-profit

Associate’s 

degree

Certificate

None

16

18 65

Bachelor’s/transfer

to 4-year

(2)

Public

Associate’s 

liberal arts/ 

uncertain Associate’s/ 

applied 

fields

Vocational 

certificate

44

37

20

Private, for-profit

Associate’s/ 

applied fields

Vocational 

certificate

20

80

First degree goal

First program and field of study
Executive Summary

vi

the types of programs in which students enroll and

further why they have enrolled. Figure C

illustrates how students in less-than-4-year public

and private, for-profit institutions were distributed

with respect to both their program and field of

study and their reported degree goals.

Private, for-profit institutions primarily offer

short-term programs leading to vocational

certificates. Accordingly, four-fifths of these

students were enrolled in certificate programs,

primarily in cosmetology, health assistance,

secretarial, and mechanical trades. The remaining

one-fifth were enrolled in applied associate’s

degree programs such as business, allied health

technicians, and engineering technology. Students

beginning in public less-than-4-year institutions,

on the other hand, were more likely to be enrolled

in associate’s degree programs than in vocational

certificate programs. About 40 percent were in

applied associate’s degree programs, and another

40 percent were either liberal arts majors or had

not declared a major.3

An examination of beginning students’ degree

goals at the institution where they start clarifies

their actual intentions with respect to their current

enrollment. Unlike most private, for-profit

institutions, one of the missions of public 2-year

institutions is to provide a means for students

working toward a bachelor’s degree to complete

their lower division requirements and transfer to a

4-year institution. Students who transfer are not

required to have earned an associate’s degree, but

if they successfully transfer, they have achieved

their goal for that institution.

Students in public institutions primarily

reported goals of earning an associate’s degree (47

percent) or transferring to a 4-year college without

 

3About one-third of the liberal arts/uncertain group had not

declared majors.

a degree (24 percent). By contrast, students in

private, for-profit institutions indicated goals of

obtaining a vocational certificate (65 percent) or

an associate’s degree (18 percent), while few

indicated any transfer intentions (2 percent). In

both the public and the private, for-profit sectors,

approximately the same percentage reported

having no degree goal (15 and 16 percent,

respectively). That is, they were probably enrolled

to advance their occupational skills or for their

own personal enrichment.

When students in less-than-4-year institutions

were asked to report their primary reason for

enrolling (separate from their degree goals), twothirds of those in private, for-profit institutions

indicated that they wanted to gain job skills,

compared with one-quarter of those in public

institutions. Correspondingly, about one-third of

students in public less-than-4-year institutions

reported plans to transfer to a 4-year college,

compared with only 2 percent of those in private,

for-profit institutions.

Taking into account both students’ degree

goals and their primary purpose for enrolling, it is

apparent that those enrolled in the private, forprofit sector would be able to fulfill their

intentions of earning a certificate or an associate’s

degree and, in the process, enhance their job skills

all in the same institution. Students in the public

sector, on the other hand, had less of an immediate

occupational focus and often planned to transfer to

a 4-year college without earning an associate’s

degree.

Persistence and Attainment of

Students at Less-Than-4-Year

Institutions

A major difference between certificate and

associate’s degree programs is the time it takes to
Executive Summary

vii

complete them. A vocational certificate program is

often completed in about one year, while

associate’s degrees take at least two years to

complete. Most of the beginning students at

private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

were enrolled in short-term certificate programs

(80 percent), while most of those in public

institutions were enrolled in longer term

associate’s degree programs (81 percent).

Not only were the beginning students in the

private, for-profit institutions primarily enrolled in

shorter programs, but most of them (about threefourths) were full-time students during their entire

enrollment. At the public institutions, about onehalf of the beginning students started their

enrollment full time, but just one-third continued

to attend full time as long as they were enrolled.

Moreover, about one-fourth of those in the public

institutions were always enrolled part time,

compared with about one-tenth in the private, forprofit institutions.

Full-time students are obviously able to

progress through a program more quickly than

part-time students. Since most of the students

starting in the private, for-profit sector were in

shorter programs and attended full time as long as

they were enrolled, it might be expected that they

would have higher rates of degree attainment after

three years than those who started at the public

less-than-4-year institutions, where most of the

students were in longer programs and less likely to

attend full time.

Comparing the students in the two sectors who

began in vocational certificate programs and those

who began in associate’s degree programs

controls for the effect of the difference in the

length of these programs on attainment rates. The

percentages displayed in figure D differentiate

students who were still enrolled at the same

institution from those who transferred and are

limited to those who attained a degree at the first

institution attended.

Figure D—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, for-profit

Figure D—and in public less-than-4-year institutions, by enrollment status and attainment at the first institution

Figure D—attended after three years

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Type of first institution attended

54 35

18

33

31 40 34 34

30

1

1

20

23

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Private, forprofitPublic Private, forprofitPublic

Percent

No degree, not enrolled anywhere

No degree, transferred from first

institution

No degree, still enrolled at first

institution

Attained associate’s degree at first

institution

Attained certificate at first institution

5

9

Certificate program Associate’s program

9

7

7

7 3
Executive Summary

viii

The differences in attainment rates at public

and private, for-profit institutions are still evident

within certificate and associate’s degree programs.

About one-half (54 percent) of those who began in

certificate programs at private, for-profit

institutions attained a certificate at the first

institution attended, compared with 30 percent of

those who began at public institutions. The

percentage of beginning students in associate’s

degree programs who attained associate’s degrees

at the first institution was also higher at the

private, for-profit institutions than at the public

institutions (35 percent compared with 7 percent).

There was no difference between sectors in the

percentage of those in associate’s degree programs

who left postsecondary education from the first

institution without a degree (34 percent).

However, as might be expected from the

difference in degree goals examined earlier, the

percentage of those in associate’s degree programs

who left the first institution attended to transfer

elsewhere was higher at the public than at the

private, for-profit institutions (23 percent

compared with 9 percent).

The difference in the attainment rates of

beginning students in the two sectors appears to be

related to the much higher percentage of full-time

students in the private, for-profit institutions. In

addition, the higher degree attainment rates at the

for-profit institutions may be related to their term

structure. Many for-profit institutions offer

programs that allow continuous enrollment

without regular term structures or summer

vacations. This is reflected in the time it took

students to attain degrees or certificates. Those

full-time students who completed certificates at

private, for-profit institutions finished in an

average of 12 months, while those who completed

certificates at public institutions required an

average of 16 months. Similarly, those who

completed an associate’s degree at public

institutions took an average of 25 months, 3

months longer than those who received an

associate’s degree at private, for-profit institutions

by 1998.

Conclusions

Many of the differences in the enrollment

experiences of beginning students at private, forprofit and at public less-than-4-year institutions

reflect the differences in the type of program in

which they were enrolled. Eighty percent of the

students in the private, for-profit institutions

began in vocational certificate programs, while

about eighty percent of the students in the public

institutions began in associate’s degree programs,

which take longer to complete. Nevertheless, the

attainment rates for both vocational certificates

and associate’s degrees were much higher for

students who began in private, for-profit

institutions.

There were also distinct differences in degree

goals, reasons for enrolling, and attendance

patterns between students in the two sectors that

contribute to explaining some of the attainment

differences. Compared with students in the public

sector, those in private, for-profit less-than-4-year

institutions:

• were more likely to focus on gaining job

skills;

• had degree goals specific to the programs

offered at the first institution attended and

were less likely to have intentions of

transferring to a 4-year college;

• were more likely to attend full time for the

duration of their enrollment; and

• completed their certificates or associate’s

degree programs in a shorter time.
ix

Foreword

This report provides a description of the data collected in the first follow-up of the 1995–96

Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:96/98). The study is based on a

sample of students who began their postsecondary education in 1995–96 and were initially interviewed in 1996 as part of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:96). These

first-time beginning students were interviewed again in mid-1998, about three years after they

had started their postsecondary education. A major purpose of the BPS studies is to provide information about the persistence of beginning students in postsecondary education and their attainment of any certificates or degrees at different types of institutions.

Because most students who began in 1995–96 would not have been enrolled long enough to

complete a bachelor’s degree at the time of the follow-up survey in 1998, the essay of the report

focuses on the persistence and attainment of students enrolled in programs leading to associate’s

degrees and vocational certificates at less-than-4-year institutions. In particular, the analysis

compares the outcomes of students in public institutions with those in private, for-profit institutions three years after they first enrolled.

The essay is followed by a compendium of supplemental tables detailing persistence and

attainment by various types of institutions. It also contains summary findings and tables about the

characteristics of beginning students, with a particular emphasis on employment.

The estimates presented in the report (mostly percentages) were produced using the NCES

Data Analysis System (DAS) for the BPS:96/98 survey. The DAS is a microcomputer application

that allows users to specify and generate their own tables. The DAS produces design-adjusted

standard errors necessary for testing the statistical significance of differences shown in the tables.

For more information regarding the DAS, readers should consult appendix B of this report.
x

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of staff members of the National Center

for Education Statistics (NCES) for their advice, guidance, and review in preparing this report.

We are especially grateful to C. Dennis Carroll, Associate Commissioner of the Postsecondary

Studies Division who served as Project Officer for BPS:96/98. In addition, Paula Knepper, Andrew Malizio, Bruce Taylor, Robert Atanda, Arnold Goldstein, and Lisa Hudson carefully reviewed the report and offered many helpful suggestions.

Special thanks to David Bergeron and Dan Madzelan of the Office of Postsecondary Education, Elizabeth Warner of the Planning and Evaluation Service, Jacqueline King of the American Council on Education, and Kent A. Phillippe of the American Association of Community

Colleges who also reviewed the report and provided thoughtful comments.

The data described in this report represent over six years of collaborative effort between

MPR Associates and the Education Surveys Program at the Research Triangle Institute. We are

especially grateful to the Program Director, John Riccobono, as well as Jennifer Wine, Daniel

Pratt, Tim Gabel, and Roy Whitmore for their good-natured cooperation and hard work in designing and producing the NPSAS:96 and BPS:96/98 studies. At MPR Associates, Michael

Clune deserves all the credit for specifying and organizing the analytic variables and for producing a high-quality public release data file for BPS:96/96. Robert Fitzgerald, Vishant Shah, and

Shirley He assisted in the analytic work on the report. Andrea Livingston edited the report, Barbara Kridl coordinated its production, Francesca Tussing cheerfully formatted the many revisions

of the text, tables, and graphics, and Karyn Madden and Helen Jang proofread and assembled the

final document.
xi

Table of Contents

Page

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. iii

Foreword................................................................................................................................... ix

Acknowledgments..................................................................................................................... x

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ xii

List of Figures........................................................................................................................... xxx

STUDENTS WHO START AT LESS-THAN-4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS

Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 1

Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years................................................. 5

Institutional Retention.......................................................................................................... 6

Student Persistence............................................................................................................... 8

Persistence Risk Factors....................................................................................................... 10

Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs............................................................................... 15

Programs, Degree Goals, and Purpose ................................................................................. 15

Beginning Students at Public and at Private, for-Profit Institutions .................................... 22

Persistence and Attainment at Public and at Private, for-Profit Institutions........................ 25

Employment Outcomes for Students in Vocational and Applied Fields of Study............... 30

Conclusion............................................................................................................................ 33

Table Compendium.................................................................................................................. 35

Supplemental Persistence and Attainment Tables ............................................................... 37

Institutional and Student Characteristics Tables .................................................................. 151

Appendix A—Glossary ............................................................................................................ 217

Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology ................................................................. 235
xii

List of Tables

Table Page

TEXT TABLES

1 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

number of persistence risk factors when first began, by age and type of institution

first attended................................................................................................................... 12

2 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring

1998, by number of persistence risk factors when they first enrolled............................ 13

3 Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students

who began in less-than-4-year institutions according to degree programs and

purposes for enrolling, by first institution level and control .......................................... 16

4 Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students

attending less-than-4-year institutions according to type of program, by purpose for

enrolling and transfer or degree expectation .................................................................. 17

5 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and goals....... 20

6 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students at less-than-4-

year institutions according to enrollment intensity, by type of institution, programs,

and age............................................................................................................................ 21

7 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to 3-year persistence and attainment and

retention at the first institution attended......................................................................... 26

8 Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students

attending less-than-4-year institutions in applied fields of study according to control

of first institution attended and type of program, by type of applied field..................... 30

9 Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in applied fields of study who

were not enrolled as of 1998 and who reported working, the percentage reporting

various job enhancements related to enrollment, by degree attainment and applied

field of study................................................................................................................... 32
List of Tables

xiii

Table Page

TABLE COMPENDIUM

Section 1: Total 3-Year Persistence and Attainment

All Institutions

1.1 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring

1998, by first institution attended and first degree program .......................................... 38

1.2 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring

1998, by attendance patterns through 1998.................................................................... 39

1.3 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring

1998, by demographic characteristics ............................................................................ 40

1.4 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring

1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled ............................................. 42

Section 2: Total 3-Year Persistence and Attainment by Sectors

All Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

2.1a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first

degree attained................................................................................................................ 43

2.1b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through

1998................................................................................................................................ 45

2.1c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics ... 46

2.1d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when

they first enrolled............................................................................................................ 48
List of Tables

xiv

Table Page

Public Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

2.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-

year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first

degree attained................................................................................................................ 49

2.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-

year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

through 1998 .................................................................................................................. 50

2.2c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-

year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 51

2.2d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-

year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors

when they first enrolled.................................................................................................. 53

Private, For-Profit Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

2.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree

program and first degree attained................................................................................... 54

2.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance

patterns through 1998..................................................................................................... 55

2.3c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by

demographic characteristics ........................................................................................... 56

2.3d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by

persistence risk factors when they first enrolled ............................................................ 58
List of Tables

xv

Table Page

All 4-Year Institutions

2.4a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree attained, and

academic preparation...................................................................................................... 59

2.4b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998.............. 61

2.4c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics...................... 62

2.4d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 64

Public 4-Year Institutions

2.5a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree

attained, and academic preparation ................................................................................ 65

2.5b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through

1998................................................................................................................................ 66

2.5c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics ... 67

2.5d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

public 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when

they first enrolled............................................................................................................ 69
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Private, Not-For-Profit 4-Year Institutions

2.6a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and

3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first

degree attained, and academic preparation..................................................................... 70

2.6b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and

3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

through 1998 .................................................................................................................. 71

2.6c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and

3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 72

2.6d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and

3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors

when they first enrolled.................................................................................................. 74

Section 3: Institutional Attainment and Retention by Sectors

All Institutions

3.0a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution

attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type and first degree program .............. 75

3.0b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution

attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns ....................................................... 76

3.0c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution

attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics ......................................... 77

3.0d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution

attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled .......... 79
List of Tables

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Table Page

All Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

3.1a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type

and first degree program................................................................................................. 80

3.1b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns ... 82

3.1c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 83

3.1d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk

factors when they first enrolled ...................................................................................... 85

Public Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

3.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention

and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution

type and first degree program......................................................................................... 86

3.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention

and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance

patterns ........................................................................................................................... 87

3.2c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention

and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 88

3.2d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention

and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk

factors when they first enrolled ...................................................................................... 90
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Table Page

Private, For-Profit Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

3.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first

institution type and first degree program........................................................................ 91

3.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

attendance patterns ......................................................................................................... 92

3.3c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

demographic characteristics ........................................................................................... 93

3.3d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

persistence risk factors when they first enrolled ............................................................ 95

All 4-Year Institutions

3.4a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer

status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type, first

degree program, and academic preparation.................................................................... 96

3.4b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer

status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns ................ 98

3.4c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer

status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics... 99

3.4d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer

status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when

they first enrolled............................................................................................................ 101
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Table Page

Public 4-Year Institutions

3.5a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type,

first degree program, and academic preparation ............................................................ 102

3.5b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns ... 103

3.5c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 104

3.5d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and

transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk

factors when they first enrolled ...................................................................................... 105

Private, Not-For-Profit 4-Year Institutions

3.6a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first

institution type, first degree program, and academic preparation .................................. 106

3.6b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

attendance patterns ......................................................................................................... 107

3.6c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

demographic characteristics ........................................................................................... 108

3.6d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by

retention risk factors when they first enrolled................................................................ 109
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Table Page

Section 4: Year by Year Persistence and Attainment by Sectors

All Institutions

4.0a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

postsecondary education, by first institution type and first degree program.................. 110

4.0b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

postsecondary education, by attendance patterns ........................................................... 111

4.0c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics ............................................. 112

4.0d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled .............. 113

All Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

4.1a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type and first

degree program............................................................................................................... 114

4.1b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns .............. 115

4.1c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they

did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 116

4.1d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors

when they first enrolled.................................................................................................. 117
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Public Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

4.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if

they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type

and first degree program................................................................................................. 118

4.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public

less-than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998,

or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance

patterns ........................................................................................................................... 119

4.2c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if

they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 120

4.2d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public lessthan-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if

they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk

factors when they first enrolled ...................................................................................... 121

Private, For-Profit Less-Than-4-Year Institutions

4.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring

1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first

institution type and first degree program........................................................................ 122

4.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring

1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by

attendance patterns ......................................................................................................... 123

4.3c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring

1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by

demographic characteristics ........................................................................................... 124

4.3d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, forprofit less-than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring

1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by

persistence risk factors when they first enrolled ............................................................ 125
List of Tables

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Table Page

All 4-Year Institutions

4.4a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type, first degree

program, and academic preparation ............................................................................... 126

4.4b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns .................... 127

4.4c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics....... 128

4.4d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year

institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when

they first enrolled............................................................................................................ 129

Public 4-Year Institutions

4.5a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type, first

degree program, and academic preparation.................................................................... 130

4.5b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns .............. 131

4.5c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 132

4.5d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-

year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors

when they first enrolled.................................................................................................. 133
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Private, Not-For-Profit 4-Year Institutions

4.6a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or

if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution

type and first degree program......................................................................................... 134

4.6b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or

if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance

patterns ........................................................................................................................... 135

4.6c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or

if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic

characteristics ................................................................................................................. 136

4.6d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, notfor-profit 4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or

if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk

factors when they first enrolled ...................................................................................... 137

Section 5: Persistence and Attainment by First Degree Goal

Certificate

5.1a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence status, by first institution type and degree program ..... 138

5.1b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence status, by purpose for enrolling and attendance

patterns ........................................................................................................................... 139

5.1c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence status, by demographic characteristics ......................... 140

5.1d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree

attained and 3-year persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 141
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Associate’s Degree

5.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining an associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by first institution type and degree

program .......................................................................................................................... 142

5.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining an associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by purpose for enrolling, transfer

expectations, and attendance patterns ............................................................................ 143

5.2c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining an associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by demographic characteristics.............. 144

5.2d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining an associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 145

Bachelor’s Degree

5.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by first institution type and degree

program .......................................................................................................................... 146

5.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by high school academic preparation,

and attendance patterns .................................................................................................. 147

5.3c Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by demographic characteristics.............. 148

5.3d Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of

attaining a bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest

degree attained and 3-year persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 149
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Table Page

Section 6: Enrollment and Demographic Characteristics

First Institution Attended

6.1a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, by level of

first institution attended, by institution type and attendance patterns ............................ 160

6.1b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, by level of

first institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors

when first enrolled.......................................................................................................... 161

6.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by control of

first institution attended, by institution type and attendance patterns ............................ 163

6.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by control of

first institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors

when first enrolled.......................................................................................................... 164

6.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by level and

control of first institution attended, by institution type and attendance patterns............ 166

6.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by level and

control of first institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence

risk factors when first enrolled....................................................................................... 167

Gender

6.4a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by gender, by

institution type and attendance patterns ......................................................................... 169

6.4b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by gender, by

demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled................ 170

Age at First Enrollment

6.5a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by age when

they began, by institution type and attendance patterns ................................................. 172

6.5b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by age when

they began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 173
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Race/Ethnicity

6.6a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by

race/ethnicity, by institution type and attendance patterns............................................. 175

6.6b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by

race/ethnicity, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 176

Marital Status and Children

6.7a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by marital and

parental status when they first began, by institution type and attendance patterns ........ 178

6.7b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by marital and

parental status when they first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence

risk factors when first enrolled....................................................................................... 179

Income in 1994

6.8a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by family

income in 1994, by institution type and attendance patterns.......................................... 181

6.8b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by family

income in 1994, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

first enrolled ................................................................................................................... 182

6.9a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by student

income in 1994, by institution type and attendance patterns.......................................... 183

6.9b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by student

income in 1994, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

first enrolled ................................................................................................................... 184

Persistence Risk Factors

6.10a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by number of

attrition risk factors when first began, by institution type and attendance patterns ....... 185

6.10b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by number of

attrition risk factors when first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence

risk factors when first enrolled....................................................................................... 186
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Table Page

Section 7: Financial Aid and Working Status

Financial Aid in 1995–96

7.1a Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid

and among student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by institution

type and attendance patterns........................................................................................... 188

7.1b Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid

and among student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by demographic

characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled...................................... 190

Employment Status While Enrolled in 1995–96

7.2a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the average number of hours worked while enrolled when they first began, by

institution type and attendance patterns ......................................................................... 192

7.2b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

the average number of hours worked while enrolled when they first began, by

demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled................ 193

Enrollment Versus Employment (Students’ Primary Role)

7.3a Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

how they identified their enrollment and employment relationship when they first

began, by institution type and attendance patterns......................................................... 195

7.3b Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

how they identified their enrollment and employment relationship when they first

began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 196

7.4a Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as

students who work to meet expenses, the percentage who reported various

limitations that work placed on school schedule, by institution type and attendance

patterns ........................................................................................................................... 198

7.4b Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as

students who work to meet expenses, the percentage who reported various

limitations that work placed on school schedule, by demographic characteristics and

persistence risk factors when first enrolled .................................................................... 199
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7.5a Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as

employees who were enrolled in school, the percentage who reported various reasons

for attending, by institution type and attendance patterns.............................................. 201

7.5b Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as

employees who were enrolled in school, the percentage who reported various reasons

for attending, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

enrolled........................................................................................................................... 202

Post-Enrollment Employment

7.6a Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of

1998, the percentage distribution according to their employment status, by institution

type and attendance patterns........................................................................................... 204

7.6b Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of

1998, the percentage distribution according to their employment status, by

demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled................ 206

7.7a Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998

and who reported working, the percentage distribution according to hours worked per

week, the average hours worked per week, and the median starting salary for those

employed full time, by institution type and attendance patterns .................................... 208

7.7b Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998

and who reported working, the percentage distribution according to hours worked per

week, the average hours worked per week, and the median full-time starting salary,

by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled........... 209

7.8a Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998

and who reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements as a

result of their enrollment, by institution type and attendance patterns........................... 211

7.8b Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998

and who reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements as a

result of their enrollment, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors

when first enrolled.......................................................................................................... 212

7.9 Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year

institutions and were not enrolled as of 1998, the percentage distribution according to

employment status, by degree attainment and applied field of study............................. 214
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Table Page

7.10 Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year

institutions and were not enrolled as of 1998 and who reported working, the

percentage distribution of average hours worked per week, the average number of

hours worked per week, and the annual starting salary among those working full

time, by degree attainment and applied field of study.................................................... 215

7.11 Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year

institutions and were not enrolled as of 1998 and who reported working, the

percentage reporting various job enhancements related to enrollment, by degree

attainment and applied field of study ............................................................................. 216

APPENDIX TABLE

B1 Standard errors for table 1.1: Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning

postsecondary students according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by first institution attended and

first degree program ....................................................................................................... 237
xxx

List of Figures

Figure Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURES

A Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

level of institution first attended and among those in less-than-4-year institutions, the

percentage distribution according to institution control................................................. iii

B Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students after three

years according to enrollment status and attainment (anywhere), by level of first

institution attended ......................................................................................................... iv

C Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who first

enrolled in public and private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions, by first

program and field of study and by first degree goal....................................................... v

D Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit and in public less-than-4-year institutions, by enrollment status and

attainment at the first institution attended after three years ........................................... vii

TEXT FIGURES

1 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

level of institution first attended and among those in less-than-4-year institutions, the

percentage distribution according to institution control................................................. 2

2 Retention of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students at the first institution

attended after three years, by level of first institution attended...................................... 7

3 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students after three

years according to enrollment status and attainment (anywhere), by level of first

institution attended ......................................................................................................... 9

4 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to

persistence and the last academic year enrolled anywhere, by level of first institution

attended .......................................................................................................................... 10

5 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students enrolled in

less-than-4-year institutions, by first program and field and first degree goal............... 18
List of Figures

xxxi

Figure Page

6 Percentage distribution of persistence and attainment in 1998 of 1995–96 beginning

postsecondary students in less-than-4-year institutions in 1998, by first program and

field................................................................................................................................. 19

7 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who first

enrolled in public and private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions, by first

program and field of study and by first degree goal....................................................... 24

8 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

private, for-profit and in public less-than-4-year institutions, by enrollment status and

attainment at the first institution attended after three years ........................................... 27

9 Average number of months for 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students to

complete a vocational certificate or an associate’s degree, by type of less-than-4-year

institution attended ......................................................................................................... 28

10 Percentage distribution of 1995–96 students beginning in less-than-4-year

institutions who were always enrolled full time, by total 3-year persistence and

attainment and control of first institution attended ........................................................ 29
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1

STUDENTS WHO START AT

LESS-THAN-4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS

Introduction

In 1995–96, approximately 3 million students began their postsecondary education for the

first time. A sample of these first-time beginning students was chosen to be interviewed in 1996

as part of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:96), and then interviewed

again three years later during mid-1998 in the first follow-up of the Beginning Postsecondary

Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:96/98).1 A complete description of these beginning students

during their first year in postsecondary education is available in another report.2 The current report provides a descriptive summary of their educational experience after three years, with a special emphasis on their persistence in postsecondary education and their attainment of any degrees

or certificates.

About two-fifths of the students beginning in 1995–96 enrolled in 4-year colleges and universities, while three-fifths enrolled in less-than-4-year institutions that did not offer a bachelor’s

degree (figure 1). One-half of all beginning students attended 2-year institutions and about 9 percent attended less-than-2-year institutions. Almost all beginning students in the 2-year sector attended public institutions (91 percent), which are usually called community colleges. Most of

those in the less-than-2-year sector (80 percent) attended private, for-profit institutions, which are

also known as private career or proprietary schools.

Less-than-4-year institutions offer vocational certificate programs and associate’s degree

programs in the liberal arts and in applied fields. The certificate programs are relatively short and

can usually be completed in about one year of full-time enrollment, while the associate’s degree

programs require two to three years. Therefore, the students who began at less-than-4-year institutions in 1995–96 could have completed their programs by the time of the first follow-up survey

in 1998, while those who started in bachelor’s degree programs at 4-year institutions would normally just be completing their junior year of college.

 

1J. Wine et al., Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study First Follow-up 1996–98, Methodology Report (NCES

2000–157) (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2000).

2L. Kojaku and A.M. Nuñez, Descriptive Summary of 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students, With Profiles of Students

Entering 2- and 4-Year Institutions (NCES 1999–030) (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for

Education Statistics, 1998).
Introduction

2

Figure 1—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to level of

Figure 1—institution first attended and among those in less-than-4-year institutions, the percentage

Figure 1—distribution according to institution control

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

2-year

4-year

41

9

50

Less-than-2-year

Control of

less-than-2-year institutions 

Public

Private,

for-profit

Private, notfor-profit

1

80

19

Control of

2-year institutions 

Private, notfor-profit

Private, 2

for-profit

Public

91

7

First institution attended

The essay in this report begins with a comparison of the experience of students who began

in 4-year, 2-year, and less-than-2-year institutions, examining the three-year rates of degree attainment, institutional retention, and postsecondary persistence. Attainment means that the student completed a postsecondary program and received a credential, either a certificate in a

vocational field, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Institutional retention refers to

those beginning students who remained at the same institution where they started until they completed a program. Three-year retention rates include the percentage of beginners who had attained

a degree at their original institution as well as those who continued to be enrolled there after three
Introduction

3

years. Student persistence is a broader concept. It refers to those students who have continued

anywhere in postsecondary education, including those who had transferred out of their original

institution. Three-year persistence rates include the percentage of beginners who had attained a

degree at any institution in three years and those who were still enrolled at any postsecondary institution.

The rest of this essay focuses on the patterns of persistence and attainment of those students

who began at less-than-4-year institutions in 1995–96, and some of the employment outcomes of

both those who completed a program within three years and those who did not. The emphasis is

on the differences between students who began their postsecondary education in certificate and

associate’s degree programs, examining the characteristics of students at public and at private,

for-profit institutions separately.3 One of the issues examined is why beginning students at public

institutions have lower rates of attainment than those beginning in private, for-profit institutions.

This report expands and refines the analysis of a previous study of the five-year persistence

of students who began postsecondary education in 1989–90 (BPS:90/94).4 That study examined

persistence and attainment rates after five years, with a focus on the differences by the level of

the institution at which the students began. The previous analysis showed that those who began at

less-than-2-year institutions were more likely to be older and nontraditional than those who began at 2-year institutions. Although nontraditional students generally had a greater risk of not

persisting, those who began at less-than-2-year institutions had higher rates of attainment than

those who began at 2-year institutions.

In the essay and in the supplemental tables of this report, the data are aggregated to focus

more on the difference between students in public and in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions. There is also an emphasis on the type of degree program, degree goals, and primary

purpose for enrolling as indicated by the students in the interviews for the BPS:96/98 survey.

Although certificates of completion and diplomas in vocational programs may not meet the strict

definition of “degrees,” in this report the terms “degrees,” “degree programs,” and “degree goals”

are used as generic terms that include any type of postsecondary course of study and any type of

credential that certifies the completion of a postsecondary education program.

 

3Students at private, not-for-profit institutions (primarily junior colleges) represented about 2 percent of the beginning student

enrollments at less-than-4-year institutions and will not be analyzed separately. They are included in the essay table totals, however, and are shown separately in the supplemental tables.

4L. Berkner, S. Cuccarro-Alamin, and A. McCormick, Descriptive Summary of 1989–90 Beginning Postsecondary Students:

Five Years Later, With an Essay on Postsecondary Persistence and Attainment (NCES 96–155) (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1996).
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
5

Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

The length of time that is normally required to complete a program at a postsecondary institution is related to the level of the degrees offered there and the type of the program in which

the student is enrolled. Less-than-2-year institutions only offer vocational certificate programs

that can often be completed in about one year. Two-year institutions (primarily community colleges) usually offer both short-term certificate programs and associate’s degree programs that

generally require at least two years of full-time enrollment. Four-year institutions mainly offer

bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed in four years, but some also offer certificate

and associate’s degree programs that can be completed in less time.

The actual length of time that students take to complete any program also depends on

whether they are enrolled as full-time students or whether they progress more slowly because

they are enrolled part time. Most of the freshmen in bachelor’s degree programs at 4-year colleges and universities were enrolled full time when they began, and the majority of them continued to be enrolled full time for three years.5 The majority (about three-fourths) of beginners in

vocational certificate programs at less-than-2-year institutions were also full-time students during

their entire program.6 At the 2-year institutions, however, beginners were less likely to be enrolled full time. At the community colleges, for example, about one-half of the beginners were

enrolled full time during their first term, and about one-third continued to attend full time as long

as they were enrolled.7

The students who began postsecondary education in 1995–96 could have attained certificates and associate’s degrees by the spring of 1998, but most would not have been enrolled long

enough to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Those who did complete a program and received a certificate or degree as well as those who were still enrolled in 1998 persisted in postsecondary education. If they completed the program at the institution where they first started or if

they continued to be enrolled there without having attained a credential, they were retained by

the institution.

 

5Ninety percent began as full-time students in 1995–96, and 75 percent were always enrolled full time while they persisted. See

U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS: 96/98), Data Analysis System.

6Table 6 below.

7Table 6 below. The small proportion of 2-year students at private, for-profit institutions was predominantly full time, however.
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

6

The difference between persistence and retention is in the way transfers are regarded. Retention represents the institutional perspective. Students who transfer to other institutions before

completing a degree are usually considered not to have been retained at the original institution.

Persistence represents the student perspective. Persistence in postsecondary education does not

depend on remaining at any particular institution, as long as the student continues to be enrolled

somewhere. Institutions usually do not know whether students who do not return have transferred

elsewhere. When institutional “dropout rates” are reported, they usually include those students

who have left to transfer elsewhere but have in fact continued to persist in postsecondary education at a different institution. The retention rates reported by institutions will therefore understate

the actual rates of student persistence and attainment in postsecondary education as a whole.

Institutional Retention

The three-year enrollment experience at the first institution attended by the students beginning at 4-year, 2-year, and less-than-2-year institutions in 1995–96 is shown in figure 2. The percentages shown in the figure provide the basis for determining the average retention rates at those

types of institutions. Institutional retention rates are usually measured as the sum of those beginning students who have attained a degree at the institution and those who are still enrolled there.

Those who are not retained may either have transferred to another institution or left postsecondary education entirely.

At the 4-year institutions, the retention rate of beginning students after three years was 67

percent (64 percent were still enrolled there, and 3 percent had attained degrees there). That is,

within three years, about one-third of the freshmen who began at 4-year colleges and universities

in 1995–96 had left the institution where they had started before completing a degree. This does

not mean that one-third of the students had “dropped out” of higher education, however. As also

shown in figure 2, those beginning students who left a 4-year institution during the first three

years were more likely to transfer to another institution (20 percent) than to leave postsecondary

education and not re-enroll anywhere else (13 percent).8

At the less-than-2-year institutions, the retention rate was 61 percent: 54 percent of the students had earned a certificate at their original institution, and just 7 percent were still enrolled

there after three years. In part, this relatively high rate of attainment in three years or less reflects

the short duration of the certificate programs offered at these institutions and the high percentage

of students enrolled full time. At the 2-year institutions, which offer both short certificate and

 

8Eventually, about one-fourth of the transfers from 4-year institutions also left postsecondary education without a degree from

another institution, so that the total of those who began at 4-year institutions and left postsecondary education without a degree

after three years rose from 13 percent to the 18 percent shown in figure 3.
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

7

Figure 2—Retention of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students at the first institution attended after three

Figure 2—years, by level of first institution attended

*One percent bachelor’s degree; 2 percent associate’s and certificates.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Level of first institution attended

54

15

20

32 35

13

64

30

20

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Less-than-2-year 2-year 4-year

Percent

No degree, left

postsecondary education

from first institution

No degree, transferred

from first institution

No degree, still enrolled at

first institution in spring

1998

Attained degree or

certificate at first

institution by spring 1998

7

3*

8

longer associate’s degree programs and where students were more likely to be enrolled part time,

a smaller proportion of the beginning students (45 percent) were retained: 15 percent had earned

a degree at the institution where they had started, and another 30 percent were still enrolled there

without a degree.

At both less-than-2-year and at 2-year institutions, about one-third of the beginners left

postsecondary education entirely within three years (32 percent and 35 percent, respectively). The

percentage of students who left and then transferred elsewhere was higher at the 2-year institutions, however (20 percent compared with 8 percent). One of the basic functions of 2-year institutions, especially the community colleges, is to provide lower division courses for those who

want to transfer to 4-year institutions. Since it is not necessary to earn an associate’s degree in

order to transfer, it can be argued that institutional retention rates at 2-year institutions should

also include those students whose enrollment has allowed them to transfer to a 4-year institution

without an associate’s degree. Included in the 20 percent who had transferred (anywhere) from
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

8

the first 2-year institution without completing a degree were 12 percent who transferred to 4-year

institutions.9 If these students were included, the average three-year retention rate at 2-year institutions could be interpreted as 57 percent (15 percent attained, 30 percent still enrolled, and 12

percent transferred to 4-year institutions).

Student Persistence

Students’ persistence is measured in terms of their enrollment experience in postsecondary

education as a whole. Students who continue to be enrolled or have earned a degree have persisted, whether or not they stayed at the original institution where they started. During the first

three years, about one-fifth of the students beginning in 2-year or in 4-year institutions left the

institution where they started before completing a degree, but continued their education by transferring somewhere else.10 The rates at which students actually persist in postsecondary education

are therefore underestimated when only institutional retention rates are reported, without considering transfers. In the rest of this essay, the focus will be on beginning students’ persistence and

attainment anywhere in postsecondary education during the three years after they first enrolled.

The total three-year persistence and attainment rates (anywhere) of the students who began

postsecondary education in 1995–96 are shown by the level of the institution first attended in

figure 3. The percentage of students who had earned a degree anywhere within three years also

reflects the length of the programs offered at the institutions where they began. By 1998, more

than one-half (58 percent) of those who began at less-than-2-year institutions had attained a credential (nearly all certificates); at 2-year institutions, 18 percent had attained either certificates or

associate’s degrees; and at 4-year institutions, 4 percent had attained some type of credential, including 1 percent who had attained a bachelor’s degree within three years.11

The three-year persistence rates, which are the sum of the percentage of students who had

attained a degree and of the percentage still enrolled anywhere in postsecondary education, are

also shown in figure 4. After three years, about 80 percent of the freshmen who started at 4-year

colleges and universities in 1995–96 were either still enrolled somewhere in postsecondary education or had earned a credential. Among those who began either at 2-year institutions (primarily

community colleges) or at less-than-2-year institutions (primarily private, for-profit), roughly 60

percent had persisted.

 

9U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98), Data Analysis System.

10Compendium table 3.0a. For more information about transfers, see A. McCormick, Transfer Behavior Among Beginning Postsecondary Students: 1989–94 (NCES 97–266) (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education

Statistics, 1997).

11Table 2 below shows the types of degrees attained.
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

9

Figure 3—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students after three years according

Figure 3—to enrollment status and attainment (anywhere), by level of first institution attended

*One percent bachelor’s degree; 3 percent associate’s and certificates.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Because of a small difference in the number of missing values at less-than2-year institutions, the 6 percent still enrolled is slightly lower than in figure 2. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Level of first institution attended

58

18

39

77

43

36

18

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Less-than-2-year 2-year 4-year

Percent

No degree, left

postsecondary

education by spring

1998

No degree, still

enrolled in

postsecondary

education spring 1998

Attained a degree or

certificate anywhere

by spring 1998

6

4*

Figure 4 also shows the percentage of beginning students who left postsecondary education

without a degree during or after each academic year. Among beginning students at 4-year institutions, 7 percent left postsecondary education before their second year, and another 7 percent left

before their third year. After three years, a total of about one-fifth (18 percent) of the 1995–96

freshmen at 4-year institutions had left postsecondary education without completing any degree

program anywhere.12 At both 2-year and at less-than-2-year institutions, about one-fourth (24 and

26 percent, respectively) of the beginning students left postsecondary education before their second year, and after three years, a total of about 40 percent had left postsecondary education without completing any program.13

 

12The difference between this 18 percent and the 13 percent who left postsecondary education from the first institution (figure 2)

represents transfer students from the first institution who eventually left postsecondary education without a degree from another

institution.

13The difference between 36 and 43 percent (figure 3) is not statistically significant.
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

10

Figure 4—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to persistence and

Figure 4—the last academic year enrolled anywhere, by level of first institution attended

NOTE: The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Level of first institution attended

64

57

12

26 24

7

82

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Less-than-2-year 2-year 4-year

Percent

No degree, last year

1995–96

No degree, last year

1996–97

No degree, last year

1997–98

Still enrolled or

attained by spring

1998

4

7

3

7

7

Persistence Risk Factors

Traditional students beginning postsecondary education for the first time usually enroll

immediately after graduating from high school, are single, and are dependent on their parents for

financial support. They usually attend full time, although many have part-time jobs while they are

enrolled. By contrast, nontraditional beginners are usually older and have often delayed entry

into postsecondary education. They may have children, are usually self-supporting, and often enroll as part-time students while holding a full-time job.14

 

14L. Horn, Nontraditional Undergraduates: Trends in Enrollment from 1986 to 1992 and Persistence and Attainment Among

1989–90 Beginning Postsecondary Students (NCES 97–578) (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center

for Education Statistics, 1996).
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

11

The same characteristics that are associated with nontraditional students have also been

identified as factors that are related to lower rates of persistence in postsecondary education. In

particular, there are seven characteristics of students that increase the risk of their leaving postsecondary education before they complete a program. These “risk factors” are not having a regular high school diploma, delaying postsecondary enrollment by more than one year after high

school, enrolling as a part-time student, working full time while enrolled, and beginning as a financially independent (self-supporting) student, as a student with children, or as a single parent.15

The number of risk factors is also directly related to the age at which the student first enrolled in postsecondary education. For example, among those who started at age 18, about twothirds (67 percent) had no risk factors, while among those who first enrolled in their late 20s (24–

29), about two-thirds (68 percent) had four or more (table 1).

The proportion of students with several persistence risk factors varied by the type of institution at which they began, reflecting the age distribution of the student body. At 4-year institutions, about 20 percent of the beginners were over age 18, compared with about one-half at 2-

year institutions and about 80 percent at less-than-2-year institutions.16 At 4-year institutions, just

10 percent of the beginning students had two or more characteristics associated with the risk of

not persisting (6 percent with two or three factors and 4 percent with four or more), compared

with one-half of those entering 2-year institutions and about three-fourths of those starting vocational certificate programs in less-than-2-year institutions (table 1).

In general, the likelihood of leaving postsecondary education without completing a program

is directly related to the number of these risk factors that are part of a student’s characteristics.17

For example, among all 1995–96 first-time beginning students with none of these risk factors, 16

percent left postsecondary education without a degree after three years, compared with one-third

(32 percent) of those with one risk factor and one-half (49 percent) of those with two or three of

these risk factors (table 2).

High-risk, nontraditional students are more likely to persist and complete short-term certificate programs than longer degree programs. Although the likelihood of leaving postsecondary

education without a degree increased with the number of risk factors present, table 2 also shows

that in total the likelihood of having attained a certificate increased with the number of risk factors. This reflects the fact that nontraditional, high-risk beginning students are concentrated in

short-term vocational certificate programs, which are primarily offered at less-than-4-year

 

15Ibid.

16Supplemental table 6.5a.

17See L. Horn, Nontraditional Undergraduates, and L. Berkner et al., Descriptive Summary of 1989–90 Beginning Postsecondary Students: Five Years Later.
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

12

Table 1—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to number of

Table 1—persistence risk factors when first began, by age and type of institution first attended

 Two Four

 None One or three or more

 Total 45.3 19.2 19.4 16.1 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 67.2 22.1 9.1 1.6 

 19 years 39.2 30.6 21.9 8.3 

 20–23 years 6.9 19.3 45.0 28.8 

 24–29 years 0.0 1.1 31.2 67.7 

 30 or older 0.0 2.2 40.3 57.6 

Level of first institution

 4-year 75.0 14.5 6.4 4.1 

 2-year 26.1 23.8 26.8 23.4 

 Less-than-2-year 11.2 15.6 40.3 32.9 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 26.2 23.9 27.2 22.7 

 Private, for-profit 23.3 21.5 22.5 32.7 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 13.2 14.3 39.8 32.8 

 Private, for-profit 10.7 15.9 40.7 32.7 

*Risk factors include (1) part-time attendance; (2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; (3) financially independent from parents;

(4) work full time while enrolled; (5) have dependents; (6) single parent; and (7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

institutions.18 Among the beginners at less-than-2-year institutions, which only offer certificate

programs, over one-half (57 percent) earned a certificate within three years, and their attainment

rates did not vary significantly with the number of risk factors present.

 

18About 4 percent of beginners in certificate programs were enrolled in 4-year institutions, 50 percent in 2-year institutions, and

46 percent in less-than-2-year institutions (supplemental table 6.1a).
Retention, Persistence, and Attainment After Three Years

13

Table 2—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 2—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by number of

Table 2—persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

Associate’s Bachelor’s Attained No degree, No degree,

None Certificate degree degree degree enrolled not enrolled

 Total 84.3 10.3 5.1 0.4 15.8 51.9 32.3

 Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 89.2 3.6 6.8 0.4 10.8 72.8 16.4

 One 85.9 8.2 5.1 0.9 14.2 53.6 32.2

 Two or three 78.7 18.4 2.8 0.1 21.7 29.5 48.8

 Four or more 75.1 21.5 3.4 0.0 25.3 20.7 54.0

 Total 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 4.3 77.3 18.4

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 96.9 0.9 1.6 0.6 3.0 83.9 13.1

 One 92.8 2.2 2.5 2.5 7.3 68.0 24.7

 Two or three 90.7 4.9 3.5 0.9 9.4 53.5 37.1

 Four or more 92.3 4.9 2.8 0.0 8.0 38.5 53.5

 Total 82.2 9.4 8.4 0.0 18.1 38.9 43.0

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 74.8 5.3 19.9 0.0 25.6 50.3 24.0

 One 87.1 5.8 6.9 0.1 12.8 51.7 35.4

 Two or three 85.1 11.9 3.1 0.0 15.3 30.2 54.5

 Four or more 79.9 15.7 4.4 0.0 20.5 22.6 57.0

 Total 42.6 56.9 0.6 0.0 57.9 6.1 36.0

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 29.6 70.0 0.3 0.0 68.3 8.5 23.2

 One 43.7 56.3 0.0 0.0 56.4 6.0 37.6

 Two or three 44.7 54.0 1.4 0.0 57.4 7.0 35.6

 Four or more 44.5 55.5 0.0 0.0 55.5 2.3 42.2

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

2-year institutions

Less-than-2-year institutions

Highest degree attained

All institutions

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

4-year institutions
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15

Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

Programs, Degree Goals, and Purpose

Students starting at less-than-4-year institutions may be classified in a variety of ways: according to the type of institution that they first attend, the type of program and field of study that

they choose, the highest degree that they expect to earn at that institution, and their primary reason for enrolling. In the telephone interviews for the BPS:96/98 survey, students beginning at

less-than-4-year institutions were asked the following series of questions to address the issues of

program, first degree goals, and primary purpose:

• Program: What type of degree or certificate program are/were you enrolled in at the

first institution attended? Respondents either named a program, or said they were not

in any degree program.

• First degree goal: What is the highest degree that you expect to receive at the first institution attended? Respondents either named a degree or said that they were not planning to get a degree there and often said they were planning to transfer without a

degree.

• Purpose: What was your primary reason for enrolling at the first institution attended?

The responses were classified into the following categories: to learn job skills, to earn

a degree or certificate, to transfer elsewhere, and for personal enrichment or other reasons.

The responses to these questions are shown in table 3. Students beginning at less-than-2-

year institutions were relatively easy to classify. Since these institutions offer only vocational

certificates, students can only be enrolled in certificate programs, and the highest degree they can

earn there (their first degree goal) is a certificate (81 percent indicated this as their degree goal).

About 19 percent indicated that they did not expect to earn any degree at that institution. When

asked the purpose for enrolling, the majority (73 percent) indicated that their primary reason for

enrolling at a less-than-2-year institution was to learn job skills.19

At 2-year institutions, the options are more varied. Depending on how the questions were

interpreted, and the students’ convictions (or indecision) at the time, the responses varied in

 

19However, the survey questions may be biased. Those who expected to receive no degree or to earn a certificate were asked if

they were enrolled for a job-related reason or some other reason. The others were only asked to state their primary reason. For

details see “Purpose for enrolling (PGM6Y1)” in appendix A.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

16

Table 3—Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in

Table 3—less-than-4-year institutions according to degree programs and purposes for enrolling, by first

Table 3—institution level and control

Total Private, All

 less-than- Less-than- Public All for-profit private,

 4-year 2-year 2-year 2-year public 2-year for-profit

 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Level of first institution

 Less-than-2-year 14.8 100.0 † † 3.5 † 65.9 

 2-year 85.2 † 100.0 100.0 96.5 100.0 34.1 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 30.8 100.0 18.8 17.0 19.9 41.6 80.1 

 Associate’s, applied fields 34.0 † 39.8 37.9 36.6 58.4 19.9 

 Associate’s, liberal arts/uncertain 35.3 † 41.4 45.1 43.5 0.0 0.0 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 14.9 19.1 14.2 14.4 14.6 10.6 16.0 

 Certificate 24.0 80.9 13.9 12.1 14.7 35.0 64.6 

 Associate’s degree 41.5 0.0 48.8 48.5 46.7 49.3 17.6 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 19.7 0.0 23.1 25.0 24.0 5.1 1.8 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 30.9 73.0 24.3 21.5 23.4 57.1 66.5 

 Earn a degree or certificate 21.2 13.5 22.5 22.3 21.9 23.1 17.5 

 Transfer to 4-year 30.1 0.7 34.8 37.7 36.4 2.7 1.5 

 Other 17.7 12.9 18.5 18.5 18.3 17.0 14.5 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 11.3 14.3 10.7 11.0 11.1 7.9 11.8 

 Degree, no transfer 51.5 84.2 45.8 42.2 43.7 82.5 83.8 

 Degree, transfer 15.9 0.7 18.6 20.0 19.3 3.7 1.7 

 No degree, transfer 21.4 0.9 24.9 26.9 25.9 5.9 2.7 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Level of institution Control of less-than-4-year institution

consistency. Moreover, the possible responses to these questions are not mutually exclusive. Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program who intended to transfer to a 4-year college could

have responded appropriately in a number of ways. They could report being in an associate’s degree program, a bachelor’s degree transfer program, or no degree program (just accumulating

transfer course credits). In addition, they could respond with almost any of the options about their

primary purpose.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

17

Based on these responses, an additional composite variable was constructed to classify the

beginning students by their combined expectations for earning a degree at the first institution and

for transferring elsewhere, with or without a degree. In order to see if there was a difference between the persistence and attainment of students who had already declared a major in a field that

was directly related to specific types of careers and those who were still undecided or were in a

general liberal arts program, those in associate’s degree programs were classified into two

groups: liberal arts or undeclared majors and applied fields of study (anything other than liberal

arts, primarily such fields as business, nursing, and technology).20

Students in associate’s degree programs with majors in the applied fields were more likely

than those in liberal arts or undeclared majors to say that their primary reason for enrolling was to

acquire job skills (25 percent compared with 8 percent) and less likely to say that they planned to

transfer to a 4-year institution (32 percent compared with 52 percent) (table 4). Those in applied

majors were also twice as likely as those in liberal arts and undeclared majors to expect to earn a

degree at the first institution without any plans to transfer (54 percent compared with 25 percent).

Table 4—Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students attending lessTable 4—than-4-year institutions according to type of program, by purpose for enrolling and transfer or

Table 4—degree expectation

 Program/field at first less-than-4-year institution

 Vocational Associate’s degree Associate’s degree

 certificate applied fields liberal arts/undecided

 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 64.2 25.4 7.9 

 Earn a degree or certificate 18.4 26.9 17.6 

 Transfer to 4-year 2.7 31.7 52.2 

 Other 14.7 16.0 22.2 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 15.0 7.0 12.2 

 Degree, no transfer 79.3 53.6 24.6 

 Degree, transfer 3.1 20.7 22.4 

 No degree, transfer 2.6 18.6 40.8 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

 

20See appendix A for details under “Program/field at first institution (PGM1Y1).” Approximately one-third of the liberal

arts/undeclared majors were undeclared.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

18

Among those in the liberal arts and undeclared majors, 41 percent expected to transfer without

completing an associate’s degree, compared with 19 percent of those in applied fields.

As shown in figure 5, the beginning students at all less-than-4-year institutions were relatively evenly distributed among vocational certificate programs, applied associate’s degree fields,

and liberal arts or undeclared associate’s fields, with about one-third in each area (31, 34, and 35

Figure 5—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students enrolled in less-than-4-year

Figure 5—institutions, by first program and field and first degree goal

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

First program and field

Associate’s 

liberal arts/ 

uncertain 

Vocational 

certificate

Associate’s/ 

applied 

fields

34

35 31

First degree goal

None

Bachelor’s/ 

transfer to 

4-year

Certificate

Associate’s 

degree

4

24

20

42

15

percent, respectively). The percentage of students who had left postsecondary education without

a degree was also the same in each of these programs (42 percent) (figure 6 and table 5). However, the attainment rates after three years were higher for those beginning in the certificate programs (46 percent) than for those in either of the associate’s degree programs (20 percent and 9

percent).
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

19

Figure 6—Percentage distribution of persistence and attainment in 1998 of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary

Figure 6—students in less-than-4-year institutions in 1998, by first program and field

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

First program and field

42

38

42 42 42

11

50

12

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Certificate Associate’s degree 

applied fields

 Associate’s degree 

liberal arts/uncertain

Percent

No degree, not enrolled

No degree, still enrolled

Attained, still enrolled

Attained, not enrolled

4

9

7

2

There are several reasons for the higher attainment rates of those in certificate programs.

Certificate programs are relatively short in duration. The full-time students who completed certificates did so in an average of 15 months.21 Moreover, the majority (55 percent) of the students

in certificate programs were always enrolled full time (table 6). In addition, most (82 percent) of

the students in certificate programs expected to earn a certificate at the institution where they

started.22

 

21Figure 9 below.

22Table 4 above. This is the sum of those who expected to earn a degree there, with or without subsequent transfer (3 percent and

79 percent, respectively).
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

20

Table 5—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 5—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment

Table 5—status as of spring 1998, by degree program and goals

 Attained, Attained, No degree, No degree, Highest degree attained

not still still not Associate’s

enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled Certificate degree None

 Total less-than-4-year 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9 16.4 7.3 76.3 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 41.9 4.2 12.0 41.9 43.6 2.1 54.3 

 Associate’s degree 6.1 8.0 44.0 42.0 4.3 9.6 86.1 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 41.9 4.2 12.0 41.9 43.6 2.1 54.3 

 Associate’s applied fields 10.6 9.0 38.2 42.3 5.7 13.5 80.7 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 1.7 7.1 49.7 41.7 2.9 5.7 91.3 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 11.3 2.7 26.6 59.4 10.4 3.5 86.2 

 Certificate 47.2 5.6 8.2 39.0 50.9 2.0 47.2 

 Associate’s degree 9.2 11.3 37.1 42.4 6.2 13.9 79.9 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 3.3 4.9 60.2 31.7 2.3 5.6 92.0 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 31.9 5.3 15.4 47.4 31.5 5.5 63.1 

 Degree or certificate 17.5 6.2 31.6 44.7 14.7 8.9 76.5 

 Transfer to 4-year 2.5 12.2 56.1 29.2 2.3 12.0 85.7 

 Other 15.6 5.0 26.1 53.4 13.6 6.5 79.8 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 11.7 1.0 23.5 63.8 11.0 1.3 87.8 

 Degree, no transfer 29.2 6.9 21.3 42.6 28.2 7.9 63.9 

 Degree, transfer 2.5 15.5 46.6 35.4 3.0 14.4 82.6 

 No degree, transfer 3.1 5.6 56.7 34.6 2.2 6.4 91.4 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 27.5 9.1 26.7 36.7 23.5 13.0 63.4 

 Mixed 10.1 7.1 52.6 30.1 12.0 5.1 82.8 

 Always part-time 9.3 2.2 18.5 70.1 11.4 0.1 88.6 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

21

Table 6—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students at less-than-4-year

Table 6—institutions according to enrollment intensity, by type of institution, programs, and age

Full-time

 in 1995–96 Always full-time Mixed Always part-time

 Total less-than-4-year* 59.7 41.6 35.7 22.7 

Level of first institution

 2-year 55.3 35.5 39.8 24.7 

 Less-than-2-year 85.0 77.0 12.2 10.8 

Control of first institution

 Public 53.4 33.3 40.7 26.0 

 Private, for-profit 85.7 76.5 14.4 9.1 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 52.6 32.0 41.6 26.4 

 Private, for-profit 82.5 72.5 20.6 6.9 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 75.6 70.9 16.7 12.4 

 Private, for-profit 87.4 78.7 11.1 10.2 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 66.1 55.3 20.0 24.7 

 Associate’s, applied fields 63.0 41.0 38.2 20.9 

 Associate’s, liberal arts/uncertain 50.7 30.1 47.3 22.7 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 50.5 37.9 27.0 35.1 

 Certificate 65.1 53.6 22.1 24.4 

 Associate’s 61.4 39.1 39.0 21.9 

 Transfer 4-year/bachelor’s 62.4 39.8 48.7 11.5 

Age when began at first institution

 18 years or younger 65.4 45.1 43.6 11.3 

 19 years 72.1 44.2 40.5 15.3 

 20–23 years 62.5 42.4 33.7 23.9 

 24–29 44.2 34.4 26.0 39.5 

 30 or older 42.9 35.5 19.7 44.8 

*Includes private, not-for-profit.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Intensity pattern through 1998
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

22

Associate’s degree programs take longer to complete than certificates. Moreover, just onethird (36 percent) of the students in associate’s degree programs attended full time during their

entire period of enrollment. In addition, those in associate’s programs were less likely to expect

to earn a degree at their 2-year institution. As shown in table 4 above, among liberal

arts/undeclared majors, about one-half planned to earn a degree (22 percent before transferring

and 25 percent with no transfer plans). After three years, just 9 percent had actually earned a degree, and most of these students (7 percent) were still enrolled and continuing their education

(figure 6). Among those in applied associate’s degree programs, about three-fourths (74 percent)

expected to complete a degree at the institution, and 20 percent did so within three years. About

one-half of those with degrees (11 percent) continued their education.

Beginning students who were always enrolled part time were twice as likely to leave postsecondary education without a degree than those always enrolled full time (70 percent compared

with 37 percent; table 5). There was no difference in the percentage of beginning students in certificate and in associate’s degree programs who were always enrolled part time (25 and 22 percent, respectively; table 6). The proportion of beginning students always enrolled part time was

directly related to the age of the students, however. Among the beginning students who were 18

or younger, just 11 percent were always enrolled part time; among those age 30 or older, 45 percent were always enrolled part time. Among those who identified themselves as primarily employees rather than students, about one-half (51 percent) were always enrolled part time, and

among those who did not expect to earn a degree at that institution or to transfer, 43 percent were

always enrolled part time.23 This suggests that the low persistence rates of beginning students

who were always enrolled part time was not just related to their attendance pattern but also to

their reasons for enrolling.

Beginning Students at Public and at Private, for-Profit Institutions

As shown previously, there is a substantial overlap in institution level, institution control,

and degree programs offered. Less-than-2-year institutions are primarily private, for-profit and

offer only certificate programs. Two-year institutions are primarily public, and most of the students are in associate’s degree programs. This overlap tends to obscure any differences in the

persistence and attainment of beginners that may be related to whether they are enrolled in public

or in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions.

The distribution of beginning students at public and at private, for-profit less-than-4-year

institutions according to the various indicators of programs, degree goals, and purpose was

 

23U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98), Data Analysis System.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

23

shown in table 3 above. At the public institutions, enrollments were dominated by the 2-year

community colleges, and just 4 percent were enrolled in less-than-2-year institutions. At the private, for-profit institutions, on the other hand, the majority of beginning students (66 percent)

were attending less-than-2-year institutions.

Since less-than-2-year institutions do not offer associate’s degrees, one of the major differences between beginning students at public and private, for-profit institutions was the type of

program in which they were enrolled (figure 7). At the private, for-profit institutions, 80 percent

of the beginning students were in vocational certificate programs, and 20 percent in applied associate’s degree programs. This was the reverse of the distribution at the public institutions, where

about 20 percent were in certificate programs and about 80 percent in associate’s degree programs. Moreover, while all of the beginning students in associate’s degree programs at private,

for-profit institutions were in applied fields of study, those in public institutions were as likely to

be in liberal arts or undeclared majors as to be in applied fields (about 40 percent each).

Students’ degree goals at the first institution were also quite different (figure 7). The majority of beginning students at private, for-profit institutions expected to earn either a certificate

(65 percent) or an associate’s degree (18 percent); just 2 percent indicated that they intended to

transfer to a 4-year institution. At the public institutions, on the other hand, one-fourth of the beginning students said that their goal was to transfer to a 4-year college.

As was shown in table 3, when the students at the public institutions were asked their primary purpose for enrolling, about one-third (36 percent) said that they intended to transfer, and

about one-fifth (22 percent) replied that earning a degree was of primary importance. Since

earning a degree and transferring are not mutually exclusive, the various combinations of transfer

or degree expectations are also shown at the bottom of table 3. At the private, for-profit institutions, 83 percent of the beginning students indicated in some way that they intended to earn a degree at the institution, with no intention of transferring. At the public institutions, on the other

hand, about half as many (44 percent) indicated that they intended to earn a degree at the institution without any plans to transfer. About the same percentage (45 percent) of students at the public institutions indicated that they did intend to transfer, either after earning a degree (19 percent)

or without a degree (26 percent).

The differences in the programs and degree goals among beginning students at the public

institutions and those at private, for-profit institutions partly reflect the predominance of enrollments at 2-year institutions in the public sector, and at less-than-2-year institutions in the private,

for-profit sector. A direct comparison among students enrolled in 2-year institutions, however,
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

24

Figure 7—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in public

Figure 7—and private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions, by first program and field of study and by

Figure 7—first degree goal

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Public

Associate’s 

degree

Bachelor’s/ 

transfer to 

4-year

None Certificate

15

47

24

15

Private, for-profit

Bachelor’s/ 

transfer to 

4-year

2

None

Certificate

Associate’s 

degree

4

16

65

18

Public

Associate’s 

liberal arts/ 

uncertain

Associate’s/ 

applied 

fields

Vocational 

certificate

44

37

20

Private, for-profit

Vocational 

certificate

Associate’s/ 

applied fields

4

20

80

First degree goal

First program and field of study
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

25

continues to show some of the same differences found in the totals of both sectors (table 3). Beginning students at 2-year private, for-profit institutions were more likely to be enrolled in certificate programs than those in 2-year public institutions (42 percent compared with 17 percent)

and therefore were more likely to have the goal of earning a certificate (35 percent compared

with 12 percent) than their counterparts at public institutions.

About one-half (49 percent) of beginning students at both public and private, for-profit 2-

year institutions had the goal of earning an associate’s degree at that institution (table 3). The

percentage whose primary purpose for enrolling was to earn a degree was also the same in both

public and private, for-profit 2-year institutions (22 and 23 percent, respectively). However, those

at the private, for-profit 2-year institutions were more likely to say that their primary reason for

enrolling was to gain job skills (57 percent compared with 22 percent) and were much less likely

to say that their primary purpose was to transfer to a 4-year college (3 percent compared with 38

percent).

In addition to enrolling in shorter programs, focusing on gaining job skills, and having degree goals specific to the programs offered at the first institution attended, beginning students at

private, for-profit institutions were more likely to attend full time for their entire period of enrollment (table 6). About three-fourths (77 percent) of the beginning students at private, for-profit

less-than-4-year institutions were always enrolled full time, compared with one-third (33 percent)

of the beginning students at the public institutions. Moreover, about one-fourth (26 percent) of

the beginning students at the public institutions were always enrolled part time, compared with

just one-tenth (9 percent) at the private, for-profit institutions.

Persistence and Attainment at Public and at Private, for-Profit Institutions

Most of the beginning students at private, for-profit institutions were enrolled in short-term

certificate programs, while most of those in public institutions were enrolled in longer term associate’s degree programs. Based on the analysis in the prior sections of this report, it might be expected that students in the for-profit sector would have higher rates of attainment at the first

institution attended. A comparison of the institutional retention and attainment rates of beginning

students in vocational certificate and associate’s degree programs at public and private, for-profit

less-than-4-year institutions is shown in table 7. Those who first attended private, for-profit institutions did have higher attainment rates than those who first attended public institutions. Fiftytwo percent of those at private, for-profit institutions attained a credential (44 percent earned certificates and 8 percent earned associate’s degrees), compared with 14 percent in the public institutions (8 percent certificates and 6 percent associate’s degrees).
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

26

Table 7—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 7—4-year institutions according to 3-year persistence and attainment and retention at the first

Table 7—institution attended

Attained, Attained, No degree,No degree, No degree

 not still still not Associate’s Still Trans- Not

 enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled Certificate degree enrolled ferred enrolled

 Total less-than-4-year* 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9 14.5 6.5 26.5 17.9 34.6 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 8.0 7.2 41.2 43.6 6.5 6.0 31.6 20.6 35.4 

 Private, for-profit 42.5 6.6 14.6 36.3 22.6 23.3 12.7 8.5 33.0 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 46.4 3.8 7.0 42.9 48.6 † 5.3 9.5 36.7 

 Private, for-profit 55.7 4.6 5.7 34.0 55.4 † 7.2 6.9 30.5 

Control of first institution

 Public 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6 8.0 5.8 30.6 20.2 35.5 

 Private, for-profit 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8 44.1 8.0 9.1 7.4 31.4 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate

 Public 30.6 3.5 17.3 48.7 29.7 1.4 19.9 8.7 40.3 

 Private, for-profit 55.3 5.0 5.9 33.9 54.2 1.2 6.9 7.0 30.7 

 Associate’s degree

 Public 4.0 7.9 45.8 42.3 2.5 6.8 33.4 23.1 34.3 

 Private, for-profit 35.0 6.6 20.1 38.4 4.7 34.6 17.8 9.2 33.8 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time attendance

 Public 15.9 11.0 36.7 36.4 11.5 12.8 22.5 22.9 30.4 

 Private, for-profit 49.8 4.9 7.9 37.3 42.0 8.9 8.5 6.6 34.0 

*Includes private, not-for-profit.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total persistence and attainment

Attained

Attainment and retention at first institution

The disparity in the attainment rates reflects the difference in the type of program as well as

the difference in the transfer plans of the beginning students in the two sectors (figure 7). The

majority of students at public institutions were in associate’s degree programs, which require

longer to complete, and nearly 40 percent did not plan to get any degree at that institution (15

percent had no degree goal and 24 percent had plans to transfer). The majority of those in private,
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

27

for-profit institutions were in short-term certificate programs, and over 80 percent did intend to

get a certificate or degree at that institution (65 percent planned to get a certificate and 18 percent

planned an associate’s degree).

However, the difference in attainment rates at public and private, for-profit institutions is

still evident when comparing certificate and associate’s programs within the two sectors (figure 8

and table 7). About one-half (54 percent) of those who began in certificate programs at private,

for-profit institutions attained a certificate at the first institution attended, compared with 30 percent of those who began at public institutions. The percentage of beginning students in associate’s degree programs who attained an associate’s degree at the first institution attended was also

higher at the private, for-profit institutions than at the public institutions (35 percent compared

with 7 percent). The percentage of beginning students in associate’s degree programs who left

postsecondary education from the first institution attended was the same in both sectors, however

(34 percent).

Figure 8—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, forFigure 8—profit and in public less-than-4-year institutions, by enrollment status and attainment at the first

Figure 8—institution attended after three years

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. The term “degree” includes certificates.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Type of first institution attended

54

35

18

33

31

40

34 34

30

1

1

20

23

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Private, forprofitPublic Private, forprofitPublic

Percent

No degree, not enrolled anywhere

No degree, transferred from first

institution

No degree, still enrolled at first

institution

Attained associate’s degree at first

institution

Attained certificate at first institution

5

9

Certificate program Associate’s program

9

7

7

7

3
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

28

The attainment rates in both certificate and associate’s degree programs are higher at private, for-profit than at public less-than-4-year institutions. The reasons for this difference may be

that beginning students at for-profit institutions are more likely to attend as full-time students and

that the academic term structure is often more flexible at the private, for-profit institutions than at

the public institutions. Many private, for-profit institutions offer programs that allow for continuous enrollment without a regular term structure or summer vacations. This is reflected in the time

it takes to attain a degree, i.e., the number of months between the start and completion of a program (figure 9). Full-time students who completed certificates at private, for-profit institutions

finished in an average of 12 months, while those who completed certificates at public institutions

required an average of 16 months. Similarly, full-time students who completed an associate’s degree at public institutions took 25 months, 3 months longer than those who received an associate’s degree at private, for-profit institutions.

Figure 9—Average number of months for 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students to complete a

Figure 9—vocational certificate or an associate’s degree, by type of less-than-4-year institution attended

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

15

12

16

25

22

24

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

All less-than-4-year Private, for-profit Public

Months

Certificate Associate’s degree
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

29

Over a period of three years, beginning students may change their initial degree programs,

fields of study, and degree goals. As shown in table 5 above, the degrees actually attained by students are not always consistent with their original degree programs or goals. Students starting in

certificate programs may earn associate’s degrees, and those in associate’s degree programs may

only earn certificates. Some students may also transfer from one type of institution to a similar or

different type, whatever their original expectations. The students at the private, for-profit institutions were more likely to be in shorter programs, focus on gaining job skills, intend to get a degree, and attend full time for the duration of their enrollment. The students at the public

institutions were more likely to be in longer programs, focus less on job skills, intend to transfer

to 4-year institutions with or without a degree, and attend part time during all or part of their enrollment. In terms of their persistence anywhere in postsecondary education, the type of lessthan-4-year institution where they began may be less important than whether they were always

enrolled as full-time students. As shown in figure 10, among the students who were always

Figure 10—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 students beginning in less-than-4-year institutions who

Figure 10—were always enrolled full time, by total 3-year persistence and attainment and control of first

Figure 10—institution attended

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. The term “degree” includes certificates; 42 percent of beginning students

in less-than-4-year institutions were always enrolled full time.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

50

37 36

16

11

37

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year Public less-than-4-year

Percent

No degree, not enrolled

No degree, still enrolled

Attained, still enrolled

Attained, not enrolled

5

8
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

30

enrolled full time, there was no difference between the public and the private, for-profit sectors in

the percentage of beginners who had left postsecondary education entirely after three years (36

and 37 percent, respectively).

Employment Outcomes for Students in Vocational and Applied Fields of

Study

About two-thirds of the beginning students at less-than-4-year institutions were enrolled in

career-oriented programs, either in vocational certificate or associate’s degree programs in applied fields, as previously shown in figure 5. The beginning students in vocational certificate and

applied associate’s degree programs were concentrated in three general fields of study: business/secretarial (24 percent), nursing and allied health (20 percent), and technical/mechanical (20

percent) (table 8). An additional 8 percent were in cosmetology. The associate’s programs were

usually in business administration, licensed nursing and allied health technicians, and engineering technology. The certificate programs were usually in secretarial, practical nursing or health

assistants, mechanical trades, or cosmetology.24 At the private, for-profit institutions, about onefourth (26 percent) of the beginning students were enrolled in cosmetology certificate programs,

a type of vocational training that was rarely offered at public institutions.

Table 8—Percentage distribution (by columns) of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students attending lessTable 8—than-4-year institutions in applied fields of study according to control of first institution attended

Table 8—and type of program, by type of applied field

 Private, Vocational Associate’s

 Total Public for-profit certificate applied fields

 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Cosmetology 7.9 1.2 25.5 16.6 0.0 

 Nursing/allied health 19.8 21.7 15.8 19.7 20.0 

 Business/secretarial 23.8 23.9 23.2 16.9 30.1 

 Technology/mechanical 19.7 19.9 18.6 26.1 13.9 

 Other applied fields 28.7 33.3 17.0 20.7 36.0 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

less-than-4-year institution Degree program

Control of first

 

24However, the reported majors were often generic, such as “business” or “nursing,” without further distinctions.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

31

As shown earlier in table 5, 42 percent of the beginning students in vocational certificate

programs at less-than-4-year institutions completed a program within three years (usually in

about one year) and did not continue further education, and another 42 percent left postsecondary

education without completing a program. Among those in applied associate’s degree fields, about

11 percent completed a program and left, and about 42 percent left postsecondary education

without a degree. Although the percentage who left before completion was the same in both types

of programs, the attainment rates in the certificate programs were higher, in part because certificates could be completed in less time than associate’s degrees.

The economic benefits of completing a vocational certificate or applied associate’s degree

have been the subject of some debate. Many studies have shown that there are long-term economic benefits from taking courses in less-than-4-year institutions, but there is disagreement

about whether there are additional benefits to completing a program and attaining a certificate or

associate’s degree.25 The time frame of this study may be too short to address this issue. The students who started in certificate or associate’s degree programs and were no longer enrolled in

1998 would usually have been employed for just two years or less after leaving postsecondary

education (with or without a credential).

The students who had started at less-than-4-year institutions in 1995–96, who were no

longer enrolled in 1998, and who were employed were asked about their starting salaries in the

job held after they left postsecondary education. The sample sizes are too small to report significant differences in salaries between those who did or did not complete degrees within fields, or

differences by field among those who did attain a degree. However, the median full-time starting

salaries for all those who attained a certificate or associate’s degree were the same as for those

who did not complete a program ($15,000).26

Although there was no difference in the reported median starting salaries, those who had

completed a program perceived greater benefits from their postsecondary education than those

who did not. Table 9 shows the benefits of their education reported by those working full time in

1998, both for those who completed a certificate or associate’s degree and those who did not, by

field of study. Those who had completed their programs were more likely to indicate that they

were able to take on more responsibility (70 versus 47 percent), had better job opportunities (74

versus 51 percent), and were able to earn higher salaries (66 versus 38 percent) because of their

education than those who did not.27

 

25For a good recent review of the issues, see T. Kane and C. Rouse, “The Community College: Educating Students at the Margin

Between College and Work,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 13 (1999): 63–84.

26See supplemental table 7.10.

27For the wording of the questions, see the variables JFERESB1, JFEOPPB1, and JFESALB1 in the glossary.
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

32

Table 9—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in applied fields of study who were not enrolled

Table 9—as of 1998 and who reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements related

Table 9—to enrollment, by degree attainment and applied field of study

Able to earn Able to take on Have better

higher salary more responsibility job opportunities

 Total in applied fields* 66.3 70.0 74.3

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Cosmetology 78.8 83.2 82.9

 Nursing/allied health 84.3 88.2 87.1

 Business/secretarial 66.1 63.3 72.1

 Technology/mechanical 62.1 71.3 69.8

 Other applied fields 45.7 46.9 65.1

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 67.2 70.4 73.6

 Associate’s applied fields 61.3 67.9 77.8

Control of first institution

 Public 56.2 64.5 69.7

 Private, for-profit 74.8 73.9 77.6

 Total 38.2 47.2 50.6

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Cosmetology 20.4 39.2 23.4

 Nursing/allied health 37.0 34.8 56.6

 Business/secretarial 37.5 44.9 42.4

 Technology/mechanical 43.6 59.0 61.6

 Other applied fields 38.7 50.0 50.1

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 48.6 62.9 63.0

 Associate’s applied fields 29.9 33.3 39.3

Control of first institution

 Public 37.2 46.2 52.3

 Private, for-profit 41.3 50.6 44.5

*Excludes students in liberal arts and undeclared majors.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained degree or certificate, not enrolled

No degree, not enrolled
Students in Less-Than-4-Year Programs

33

Since starting salaries are also related to age and prior work experience, a more extensive

analysis of the employment data would be required to draw any further conclusions about the real

short-term economic benefits of completing a sub-baccalaureate program. Subjectively, however,

two-thirds of those who completed their programs and about one-third of those who did not reported that they were able to earn higher salaries as a result of their additional education.

Conclusion

Because of the large difference in enrollments by program, a comparison of beginning students in public and in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions is essentially a comparison

of students in associate’s degree programs at public 2-year community colleges and students in

vocational certificate programs at private, for-profit institutions.

The three-year persistence rates (i.e., attained or still enrolled) of students beginning in certificate programs and those beginning in associate’s degree programs are the same, and the persistence of full-time students is also the same for those who began in public and those who began

in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions.

The attainment rates in both certificate and associate’s degree programs are higher at private, for-profit than at public less-than-4-year institutions. The reasons for this difference may be

that beginning students at for-profit institutions are more likely to attend as full-time students,

and that the academic term structure at the private, for-profit institutions allows students to complete their degrees in somewhat less time than at the public institutions.

The economic benefits of having completed a program and receiving a credential at a lessthan-4-year institution may not be apparent in the short-term. Although the median starting salaries ($15,000) were the same whether or not students received a credential, those who did complete a program were more likely to perceive positive economic benefits from their education

than those who did not.
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35

Table Compendium
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37

Supplemental Persistence and Attainment Tables

Section 1: Total 3-year persistence and attainment

All institutions

Section 2: Total 3-year persistence and attainment by sectors

All less-than-4-year institutions

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

All 4-year institutions

Public 4-year institutions

Private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Section 3: Institutional attainment and retention by sectors

All institutions

All less-than-4-year institutions

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

All 4-year institutions

Public 4-year institutions

Private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Section 4: Year by year persistence and attainment by sectors

All institutions

All less-than-4-year institutions

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

All 4-year institutions

Public 4-year institutions

Private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Section 5: Persistence and attainment by first degree goal

Certificate

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree
Table 1.1—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 1.1—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by first 

Table 1.1—institution attended and first degree program

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 84.3 10.3 5.1 0.4 11.0 4.9 51.9 32.3 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8 

 Private, not-for-profit 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2 

 Private, for-profit 75.3 7.6 13.9 3.2 19.5 5.6 41.3 33.6 

 2-year

 Public 85.1 8.0 6.9 0.0 8.0 7.2 41.2 43.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 56.8 12.7 29.0 1.5 31.4 12.7 21.2 34.7 

 Private, for-profit 51.5 25.4 23.1 0.0 42.5 6.6 14.6 36.3 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 49.7 49.7 0.6 0.0 46.4 3.8 7.0 42.9 

 Private, for-profit 40.5 59.0 0.6 0.0 55.7 4.6 5.7 34.0 

Level of first institution

 4-year 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 2.2 2.1 77.3 18.4 

 2-year 82.2 9.4 8.4 0.0 10.9 7.2 38.9 43.0 

 Less-than-2-year 42.6 56.9 0.6 0.0 53.4 4.6 6.1 36.0 

Control of first institution

 Public 88.2 6.6 4.9 0.3 6.8 5.2 53.2 34.8 

 Private, not-for-profit 93.3 2.3 3.6 0.8 3.6 3.2 74.8 18.5 

 Private, for-profit 45.5 45.9 8.5 0.1 49.8 5.3 10.1 34.7 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 55.6 42.0 2.4 0.0 40.8 4.1 13.8 41.4 

 Associate’s degree 85.8 4.3 9.9 0.0 6.4 8.0 43.4 42.2 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.9 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.3 1.7 80.5 16.5 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 88.2 8.5 3.2 0.1 9.3 2.7 29.9 58.1 

 Certificate 46.6 51.0 2.4 0.0 48.6 5.1 9.9 36.5 

 Associate’s degree 79.7 6.1 14.2 0.1 9.5 11.3 38.1 41.1 

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year 95.1 1.5 2.7 0.8 2.1 2.8 75.7 19.4 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 † † † † † 61.6 38.4 

 Certificate † 97.0 2.6 0.5 81.4 18.6 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 99.4 0.7 43.9 56.1 † †

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

38
Table 1.2—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 1.2—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance 

Table 1.2—patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 84.3 10.3 5.1 0.4 11.0 4.9 51.9 32.3 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 80.5 18.8 0.7 0.0 18.5 1.0 4.0 76.5 

 12–24 months 75.4 17.0 6.9 0.7 21.5 3.1 32.4 43.0 

 25 months or more 90.3 2.7 6.6 0.4 1.8 7.8 87.3 3.1 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 81.6 10.9 7.0 0.5 13.3 5.1 56.4 25.2 

 Mixed 86.4 9.3 4.0 0.3 7.9 5.7 59.7 26.7 

 Always part-time 89.0 10.8 0.2 0.0 8.8 2.2 19.1 69.9 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 84.5 14.9 0.6 0.0 15.5 † † 84.5 

 1996–97 63.7 27.8 7.5 1.0 36.4 † † 63.7 

 1997–98 89.0 4.8 5.9 0.3 3.4 7.6 80.9 8.1 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 84.8 11.4 3.4 0.4 12.8 2.4 47.7 37.2 

 Transferred 81.7 7.0 11.1 0.2 4.7 13.6 66.9 14.8 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 84.8 11.4 3.4 0.4 12.8 2.4 47.7 37.2 

 Downward transfer 84.4 12.3 3.3 0.0 8.0 7.5 60.0 24.5 

 Upward or lateral transfer 81.0 5.5 13.2 0.2 3.8 15.3 68.8 12.2 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 83.4 10.5 5.7 0.4 12.1 4.6 49.9 33.4 

 Not continuously enrolled 88.2 10.0 1.8 0.0 5.3 6.5 61.9 26.3 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

_______

39
Table 1.3—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 1.3—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic 

Table 1.3—characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 84.3 10.3 5.1 0.4 11.0 4.9 51.9 32.3 

Gender

 Male 86.1 8.4 5.1 0.4 8.7 5.4 53.6 32.3 

 Female 82.9 11.7 5.1 0.3 12.8 4.5 50.4 32.4 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 89.5 4.3 6.1 0.2 5.0 5.6 66.0 23.5 

 19 years 86.3 8.1 4.9 0.7 10.6 3.1 54.4 31.9 

 20–23 years 76.0 18.6 4.0 1.4 18.9 5.5 30.1 45.5 

 24–29 years 68.0 29.1 3.0 0.0 29.2 3.5 20.1 47.2 

 30 or older 74.0 23.0 3.0 0.1 22.6 3.7 19.0 54.8 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 84.7 9.4 5.6 0.3 10.7 4.9 52.9 31.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 81.0 15.1 4.0 0.0 13.4 6.2 39.8 40.6 

 Hispanic 82.5 12.8 4.0 0.8 12.7 4.6 51.1 31.6 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 90.5 5.6 3.4 0.6 5.0 3.3 63.6 28.1 

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native 91.7 5.4 3.0 0.0 6.3 1.6 48.9 43.2 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 88.4 5.5 5.6 0.5 6.3 5.4 63.4 24.9 

 (dependent)

 Single, no children 76.6 20.1 2.9 0.3 21.1 2.6 25.6 50.8 

 (independent)

 Single with children 69.7 24.5 5.8 0.0 23.4 7.3 22.6 46.7 

 Married 73.4 24.1 2.5 0.0 25.6 1.5 18.5 54.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 79.0 15.5 5.2 0.3 15.8 5.4 39.8 39.1 

 Some postsecondary 85.6 8.6 5.5 0.3 10.4 4.4 50.5 34.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 87.7 4.9 7.0 0.4 6.1 6.2 63.3 24.5 

 Advanced degree 95.0 1.5 2.9 0.6 1.9 2.8 78.3 17.0 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 81.4 13.2 5.0 0.4 14.3 4.3 54.7 26.7 

 Student working to meet 86.5 6.7 6.3 0.6 7.8 5.9 58.9 27.4 

 expenses

 Employee who is enrolled 80.3 14.2 5.4 0.1 14.6 5.3 26.4 53.8 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

_______

40
Table 1.3—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 1.3—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic 

Table 1.3—characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 84.6 8.5 6.3 0.5 9.0 6.6 54.6 29.8 

 $25,000–44,999 87.2 6.7 5.7 0.4 7.8 4.8 60.5 27.0 

 $45,000–69,999 89.8 4.0 5.7 0.4 4.6 5.7 62.4 27.2 

 $70,000 or greater 92.2 2.6 4.7 0.5 3.6 4.2 76.8 15.3 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 74.0 21.6 4.4 0.0 20.5 5.7 22.8 51.0 

 $6,000–14,999 71.5 23.0 5.4 0.1 26.4 2.4 23.6 47.7 

 $15,000–24,999 67.6 29.6 2.8 0.0 27.9 5.2 19.9 47.0 

 $25,000 or greater 80.1 17.2 2.5 0.2 17.8 2.4 20.0 59.8 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

_______

41
Table 1.4—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 1.4—degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence 

Table 1.4—risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 84.3 10.3 5.1 0.4 11.0 4.9 51.9 32.3 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 89.2 3.6 6.8 0.4 4.9 5.9 72.8 16.4 

 One 85.9 8.2 5.1 0.9 10.2 4.0 53.6 32.2 

 Two or three 78.7 18.4 2.8 0.1 18.1 3.6 29.5 48.8 

 Four or more 75.1 21.5 3.4 0.0 20.2 5.1 20.7 54.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 85.9 8.5 5.3 0.4 9.4 4.9 54.8 30.9 

 GED/high school equivalent* 70.6 25.1 4.4 0.0 25.7 4.0 28.7 41.6 

 None* 69.7 28.4 1.9 0.0 23.8 6.7 14.6 54.9 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 89.5 4.4 6.0 0.1 5.3 5.2 66.4 23.1 

 Delayed* 76.4 19.0 3.8 0.8 19.8 4.2 29.7 46.3 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 83.1 10.3 6.2 0.4 11.6 5.3 56.6 26.6 

 Part-time* 86.7 10.8 2.4 0.1 9.6 3.7 39.7 47.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 88.4 5.5 5.6 0.5 6.3 5.4 63.4 24.9 

 Independent* 72.6 23.5 3.8 0.1 23.9 3.9 20.8 51.4 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 86.5 7.8 5.3 0.4 8.7 4.9 58.0 28.4 

 One or more* 72.1 23.7 4.2 0.0 23.3 5.0 20.6 51.2 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 85.7 8.8 5.1 0.4 9.7 4.7 55.2 30.4 

 Single parent* 69.7 24.5 5.8 0.0 23.4 7.3 22.6 46.7 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 81.4 13.2 5.0 0.4 14.3 4.3 54.7 26.7 

 Worked part time 84.4 7.8 7.3 0.5 9.4 6.4 58.8 25.4 

 Worked full time* 83.9 12.6 3.4 0.2 11.8 4.7 30.7 52.8 

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

_______

42
Table 2.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 2.1a—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.1a—attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first degree attained

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 76.3 16.4 7.3 0.0 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 85.1 8.0 6.9 0.0 8.0 7.2 41.2 43.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 56.8 12.7 29.0 1.5 31.4 12.7 21.2 34.7 

 Private, for-profit 51.5 25.4 23.1 0.0 42.5 6.6 14.6 36.3 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 49.7 49.7 0.6 0.0 46.4 3.8 7.0 42.9 

 Private, for-profit 40.5 59.0 0.6 0.0 55.7 4.6 5.7 34.0 

Level of first institution

 2-year 82.2 9.4 8.4 0.0 10.9 7.2 38.9 43.0 

 Less-than-2-year 42.6 56.9 0.6 0.0 53.4 4.6 6.1 36.0 

Control of first institution

 Public 83.9 9.5 6.7 0.0 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 58.4 14.3 25.9 1.3 29.5 12.8 20.1 37.6 

 Private, for-profit 44.3 47.5 8.2 0.0 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 54.3 43.6 2.1 0.0 41.9 4.2 12.0 41.9 

 Associate’s degree 86.1 4.3 9.6 0.0 6.1 8.0 44.0 42.0 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 86.2 10.4 3.5 0.0 11.3 2.7 26.6 59.4 

 Certificate 47.2 50.9 2.0 0.0 47.2 5.6 8.2 39.0 

 Associate’s degree 79.9 6.2 13.9 0.1 9.2 11.3 37.1 42.4 

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year 92.0 2.3 5.6 0.0 3.3 4.9 60.2 31.7 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 87.8 11.0 1.3 0.0 11.7 1.0 23.5 63.8 

 Degree, no transfer 63.9 28.2 7.9 0.1 29.2 6.9 21.3 42.6 

 Degree, transfer 82.6 3.0 14.4 0.0 2.5 15.5 46.6 35.4 

 No degree, transfer 91.4 2.2 6.4 0.0 3.1 5.6 56.7 34.6 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

_______

43
Table 2.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 2.1a—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.1a—attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first degree attained—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 54.3 43.6 2.1 0.0 41.9 4.2 12.0 41.9 

 Associate’s applied fields 80.7 5.7 13.5 0.1 10.6 9.0 38.2 42.3 

 Associate’s liberal arts/

 uncertain 91.3 2.9 5.7 0.0 1.7 7.1 49.7 41.7 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 63.1 31.5 5.5 0.0 31.9 5.3 15.4 47.4 

 Degree or certificate 76.5 14.7 8.9 0.0 17.5 6.2 31.6 44.7 

 Transfer to 4-year 85.7 2.3 12.0 0.0 2.5 12.2 56.1 29.2 

 Other 79.8 13.6 6.5 0.2 15.6 5.0 26.1 53.4 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 44.8 55.2 

 Certificate † 97.5 2.4 0.1 82.9 17.1 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 100.0 † 43.5 56.5 † †

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

44
Table 2.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-than-4-

Table 2.1b—year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.1b—status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 76.3 16.4 7.3 0.0 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 77.7 21.6 0.7 0.0 21.2 1.1 3.8 73.9 

 12–24 months 70.4 21.9 7.7 0.1 26.0 3.6 29.7 40.8 

 25 months or more 79.3 5.8 14.9 0.0 3.9 16.8 75.1 4.2 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 63.4 23.5 13.0 0.0 27.5 9.1 26.7 36.7 

 Mixed 82.8 12.0 5.1 0.1 10.1 7.1 52.6 30.1 

 Always part-time 88.6 11.4 0.1 0.0 9.3 2.2 18.5 70.1 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 82.3 17.1 0.6 0.0 17.7 † † 82.3 

 1996–97 57.6 34.5 7.9 0.1 42.4 † † 57.6 

 1997–98 79.9 9.1 11.0 0.0 6.5 13.6 67.9 12.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 76.9 18.7 4.5 0.0 20.2 2.9 26.9 50.0 

 Transferred 73.1 9.7 17.1 0.1 6.4 20.6 59.4 13.7 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 76.9 18.7 4.5 0.0 20.2 2.9 26.9 50.0 

 Downward transfer 55.8 39.9 4.2 0.0 25.5 18.7 29.2 26.6 

 Upward or lateral transfer 74.3 7.5 18.1 0.1 5.0 20.7 61.5 12.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 74.1 17.4 8.5 0.0 19.5 6.4 28.9 45.2 

 Not continuously enrolled 84.6 13.6 1.8 0.0 6.9 8.6 56.4 28.2 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

_______

45
Table 2.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 2.1c—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.1c—attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 76.3 16.4 7.3 0.0 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9

Gender

 Male 79.5 13.0 7.4 0.1 13.2 7.5 38.4 40.8

 Female 73.9 18.9 7.2 0.0 20.1 6.3 30.6 43.0

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 79.8 8.5 11.7 0.0 10.1 10.1 45.3 34.5

 19 years 82.4 11.6 6.0 0.0 14.2 3.6 44.9 37.5

 20–23 years 73.2 22.3 4.4 0.2 20.5 6.7 25.5 47.4

 24–29 years 65.8 31.9 2.3 0.0 31.6 3.4 16.7 48.3

 30 or older 71.9 25.2 2.9 0.0 24.5 3.8 16.4 55.3

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 76.2 15.5 8.3 0.0 17.1 7.2 34.6 41.1

 Black, non-Hispanic 73.1 21.3 5.6 0.0 18.8 8.7 23.6 49.0

 Hispanic 76.9 18.2 4.9 0.0 18.0 4.9 38.4 38.8

 Asian/Pacific Islander 83.0 11.7 5.4 0.0 10.3 5.0 37.9 46.8

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native 90.3 7.7 2.0 0.0 9.1 0.0 34.7 56.2

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children

 (dependent) 79.9 10.2 9.9 0.0 11.3 9.0 45.0 34.7

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 73.3 24.1 2.5 0.0 24.2 2.6 16.7 56.4

 Single with children 67.7 26.2 6.1 0.0 25.2 7.6 20.4 46.9

 Married 70.7 27.0 2.4 0.0 28.4 1.5 15.7 54.5

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 72.7 20.9 6.4 0.0 20.7 6.7 28.8 43.8

 Some postsecondary 80.5 12.7 6.9 0.0 14.7 5.4 38.2 41.7

 Bachelor’s degree 78.9 8.6 12.4 0.2 10.5 10.8 43.4 35.3

 Advanced degree 87.8 3.6 8.7 0.0 4.8 6.6 49.1 39.5

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 67.1 25.2 7.8 0.0 26.8 6.4 26.3 40.5

 Student working to meet 

 expenses 79.4 11.0 9.6 0.1 11.9 9.1 43.6 35.4

 Employee who is enrolled 77.8 16.2 6.0 0.0 16.5 5.7 22.1 55.7

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

_______

46
Table 2.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 2.1c—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.1c—attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 77.2 13.5 9.3 0.0 13.6 9.4 40.6 36.4

 $25,000–44,999 79.8 11.1 9.1 0.0 12.4 7.3 47.5 32.8

 $45,000–69,999 82.1 7.7 10.3 0.0 7.8 10.6 39.2 42.5

 $70,000 or greater 82.3 5.8 11.7 0.2 9.9 8.6 57.9 23.5

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 70.9 24.4 4.7 0.0 22.9 6.5 18.6 52.0

 $6,000–14,999 69.2 25.6 5.3 0.0 28.5 2.3 20.1 49.1

 $15,000–24,999 64.8 32.6 2.7 0.0 30.7 5.2 16.0 48.0

 $25,000 or greater 78.7 18.8 2.5 0.0 19.3 2.3 17.2 61.2

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

47
Table 2.1d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in less-thanTable 2.1d—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.1d—attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 76.3 16.4 7.3 0.0 17.1 6.8 34.1 41.9

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 71.7 9.8 18.6 0.0 13.5 15.0 47.6 24.0

 One 82.7 10.9 6.2 0.1 13.0 4.4 47.0 35.7

 Two or three 76.8 20.5 2.7 0.0 19.8 3.9 25.6 50.7

 Four or more 73.1 23.4 3.5 0.0 21.9 5.4 18.6 54.1

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 77.9 14.1 8.0 0.0 15.2 7.1 36.3 41.3

 GED/high school equivalent* 68.1 28.0 3.9 0.0 27.7 4.4 25.8 42.2

 None* 68.6 29.4 1.9 0.0 24.7 6.9 12.5 55.9

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 80.5 8.5 11.1 0.0 10.3 9.3 47.5 32.9

 Delayed* 72.9 23.2 3.9 0.1 23.1 4.5 22.6 49.8

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 69.5 20.0 10.5 0.0 21.7 8.8 32.4 37.2

 Part-time* 85.6 11.8 2.5 0.1 10.5 3.9 36.8 48.9

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 79.9 10.2 9.9 0.0 11.3 9.0 45.0 34.7

 Independent* 70.0 26.2 3.8 0.0 26.4 4.0 16.9 52.7

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 78.0 13.6 8.4 0.0 14.7 7.5 38.9 38.9

 One or more* 69.8 25.7 4.4 0.0 25.4 5.2 18.3 51.1

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 77.5 14.9 7.6 0.0 16.0 6.9 36.2 41.0

 Single parent* 67.7 26.2 6.1 0.0 25.2 7.6 20.4 46.9

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 67.1 25.2 7.8 0.0 26.8 6.4 26.3 40.5

 Worked part time 75.3 13.2 11.5 0.1 15.1 9.9 42.8 32.2

 Worked full time* 81.5 14.8 3.8 0.0 13.5 5.4 25.0 56.1

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

_______

48
Table 2.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.2a—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.2a—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first degree attained

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 83.9 9.5 6.7 0.0 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6

Level of first institution

 2-year 85.1 8.0 6.9 0.0 8.0 7.2 41.2 43.6

 Less-than-2-year 49.7 49.7 0.6 0.0 46.4 3.8 7.0 42.9

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 66.2 31.5 2.4 0.0 30.6 3.5 17.3 48.7

 Associate’s degree 88.3 4.0 7.7 0.0 4.0 7.9 45.8 42.3

Degree goal at first institution

 None 92.2 3.5 4.3 0.0 5.1 2.9 30.8 61.2

 Certificate 56.8 40.5 2.7 0.0 38.1 5.1 11.1 45.7

 Associate’s degree 83.5 5.7 10.8 0.0 5.4 11.5 39.5 43.7

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year 92.8 2.3 4.9 0.0 2.4 4.9 60.9 31.8

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 95.1 3.4 1.5 0.0 4.4 0.8 27.3 67.6

 Degree, no transfer 74.4 18.8 6.8 0.0 18.4 7.2 27.5 46.8

 Degree, transfer 83.8 2.8 13.4 0.0 1.6 15.3 47.4 35.7

 No degree, transfer 92.1 2.0 5.9 0.0 2.3 5.7 57.5 34.5

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 66.2 31.5 2.4 0.0 30.6 3.5 17.3 48.7

 Associate’s applied fields 84.4 5.3 10.3 0.0 6.8 9.1 41.1 43.1

 Associate’s liberal arts/

 uncertain 91.5 2.9 5.6 0.0 1.6 7.0 49.8 41.7

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 77.2 18.6 4.2 0.0 17.6 5.3 20.8 56.3

 Degree or certificate 82.5 11.1 6.5 0.0 11.3 6.3 36.1 46.3

 Transfer to 4-year 86.4 2.1 11.5 0.0 2.1 12.1 56.6 29.3

 Other 84.8 10.4 4.8 0.0 10.7 4.9 28.8 55.6

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 47.8 52.2

 Certificate † 98.3 1.7 † 73.7 26.3 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 100.0 † 31.9 68.1 † †

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

_______

49
Table 2.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.2b—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.2b—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 83.9 9.5 6.7 0.0 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 86.9 12.8 0.3 0.0 12.5 0.6 4.1 82.8 

 12–24 months 82.1 12.6 5.2 0.0 14.9 3.0 34.9 47.2 

 25 months or more 81.6 4.6 13.8 0.0 2.1 16.2 77.5 4.1 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 73.1 12.7 14.2 0.0 15.9 11.0 36.7 36.4 

 Mixed 87.1 8.2 4.8 0.0 6.1 6.8 55.7 31.4 

 Always part-time 91.7 8.3 0.0 0.0 6.1 2.3 19.7 72.0 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 88.0 11.6 0.4 0.0 12.0 † † 88.0 

 1996–97 74.8 18.9 6.3 0.0 25.2 † † 74.8 

 1997–98 84.2 5.9 9.9 0.0 3.1 12.7 72.2 12.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 85.8 11.2 3.0 0.0 11.0 3.2 32.7 53.1 

 Transferred 76.8 5.2 18.0 0.0 4.3 19.0 62.5 14.3 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 85.8 11.2 3.0 0.0 11.0 3.2 32.7 53.1 

 Downward transfer ———— ————

 Upward or lateral transfer 78.0 3.1 18.9 0.0 2.8 19.2 64.9 13.1 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 82.0 10.1 7.8 0.0 10.7 7.3 35.0 47.1 

 Not continuously enrolled 90.0 8.1 2.0 0.0 3.9 6.1 60.4 29.6 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

_______

50
Table 2.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.2c—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.2c—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 83.9 9.5 6.7 0.0 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6

Gender

 Male 84.7 9.0 6.2 0.0 7.6 7.9 43.2 41.3

 Female 83.1 9.9 7.1 0.0 11.0 6.3 37.0 45.8

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 83.3 6.0 10.8 0.0 6.8 10.3 48.6 34.4

 19 years 91.0 4.4 4.6 0.0 5.8 3.5 51.6 39.2

 20–23 years 87.9 8.2 3.9 0.0 4.5 7.9 33.7 54.0

 24–29 years 73.0 26.0 0.9 0.0 26.0 1.6 20.8 51.6

 30 or older 83.2 14.9 1.9 0.0 12.8 3.8 21.4 62.0

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 82.1 10.2 7.7 0.0 10.8 7.4 39.2 42.6

 Black, non-Hispanic 81.6 12.8 5.6 0.0 10.6 8.5 28.8 52.2

 Hispanic 90.8 6.2 3.0 0.0 3.8 5.4 48.7 42.1

 Asian/Pacific Islander 93.0 2.4 4.6 0.0 0.1 4.3 47.1 48.5

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native ———— ————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children

 (dependent) 85.1 5.8 9.1 0.0 6.1 9.1 49.2 35.6

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 88.2 10.6 1.2 0.0 9.4 2.5 20.2 67.9

 Single with children 79.4 15.4 5.3 0.0 13.9 7.4 29.3 49.4

 Married 76.8 21.7 1.5 0.0 22.6 0.9 18.9 57.7

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 82.2 12.2 5.6 0.0 10.9 7.1 35.1 46.9

 Some postsecondary 87.1 7.3 5.6 0.0 8.6 4.9 43.4 43.2

 Bachelor’s degree 82.2 5.2 12.6 0.0 6.6 11.2 46.9 35.3

 Advanced degree 92.3 0.8 6.9 0.0 1.6 6.5 51.5 40.4

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 79.5 12.8 7.7 0.0 13.6 7.3 36.5 42.6

 Student working to meet 85.4 6.6 8.0 0.0 5.7 9.3 48.1 37.0

 expenses

 Employee who is enrolled 81.8 12.3 5.9 0.0 12.2 5.9 24.2 57.7

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

_______

51
Table 2.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.2c—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.2c—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 84.0 6.9 9.1 0.0 6.5 9.8 46.4 37.4

 $25,000–44,999 86.4 5.9 7.7 0.0 6.2 7.2 52.5 34.2

 $45,000–69,999 84.5 6.0 9.5 0.0 4.9 11.0 41.0 43.2

 $70,000 or greater 85.6 3.6 10.9 0.0 6.9 8.4 60.8 23.9

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 85.8 11.2 3.0 0.0 9.3 5.2 27.6 57.9

 $6,000–14,999 81.0 14.9 4.2 0.0 17.1 2.2 25.8 54.9

 $15,000–24,999 69.2 28.4 2.4 0.0 25.6 6.0 18.2 50.2

 $25,000 or greater 89.7 9.6 0.8 0.0 9.2 1.1 21.6 68.2

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

52
Table 2.2d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.2d—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.2d—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 83.9 9.5 6.7 0.0 9.4 7.0 40.0 43.6

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 75.7 5.9 18.4 0.0 8.7 16.0 52.1 23.2

 One 90.4 4.5 5.0 0.0 5.7 3.8 53.9 36.6

 Two or three 86.1 12.7 1.3 0.0 10.5 3.8 30.5 55.2

 Four or more 81.4 15.6 3.0 0.0 14.0 5.0 23.1 57.9

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 84.7 8.1 7.2 0.0 8.1 7.4 41.4 43.0

 GED/high school equivalent* 77.4 19.8 2.8 0.0 19.6 3.2 33.8 43.5

 None* 79.3 17.5 3.2 0.0 13.1 7.7 19.7 59.5

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 84.7 5.3 10.1 0.0 6.2 9.5 51.3 33.1

 Delayed* 83.3 13.9 2.9 0.0 12.9 4.2 28.2 54.8

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 79.2 10.3 10.5 0.0 11.2 9.6 41.0 38.1

 Part-time* 88.7 9.0 2.3 0.0 7.3 4.0 38.9 49.8

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 85.1 5.8 9.1 0.0 6.1 9.1 49.2 35.6

 Independent* 80.1 17.2 2.7 0.0 16.8 3.5 21.6 58.1

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 84.6 7.7 7.7 0.0 7.8 7.8 43.9 40.5

 One or more* 79.4 16.8 3.8 0.0 16.5 4.7 24.3 54.6

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 84.1 8.8 7.1 0.0 9.1 7.1 41.3 42.6

 Single parent* 79.4 15.4 5.3 0.0 13.9 7.4 29.3 49.4

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 79.5 12.8 7.7 0.0 13.6 7.3 36.5 42.6

 Worked part time 81.1 8.2 10.7 0.0 8.7 10.4 48.0 32.9

 Worked full time* 86.2 11.1 2.7 0.0 8.9 5.3 27.1 58.8

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

_______

53
Table 2.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.3a—for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.3a—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program and first degree 

Table 2.3a—attained

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 44.3 47.5 8.2 0.0 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8

Level of first institution

 2-year 51.5 25.4 23.1 0.0 42.5 6.6 14.6 36.3

 Less-than-2-year 40.5 59.0 0.6 0.0 55.7 4.6 5.7 34.0

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 40.7 57.6 1.7 0.0 55.3 5.0 5.9 33.9

 Associate’s degree 58.5 7.1 34.4 0.0 35.0 6.6 20.1 38.4

Degree goal at first institution

 None 63.6 36.1 0.3 0.0 35.2 1.8 10.1 52.9

 Certificate 36.9 62.2 1.0 0.0 57.7 5.9 4.8 31.7

 Associate’s degree 48.5 10.0 41.5 0.0 43.4 7.9 16.7 32.1

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year ———— ————

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 59.4 40.2 0.4 0.0 39.6 1.8 9.6 49.1

 Degree, no transfer 40.6 50.8 8.6 0.0 53.7 5.9 7.0 33.4

 Degree, transfer ———— ————

 No degree, transfer ———— ————

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 40.7 57.6 1.7 0.0 55.3 5.0 5.9 33.9

 Associate’s applied fields 58.5 7.1 34.4 0.0 35.0 6.6 20.1 38.4

 Associate’s liberal arts/

 uncertain ———— ————

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 39.8 54.1 6.2 0.0 55.6 5.2 6.5 32.6

 Degree or certificate 43.6 36.5 19.9 0.0 53.1 3.6 5.6 37.7

 Transfer to 4-year ———— ————

 Other 52.3 33.8 13.9 0.0 42.8 4.6 10.0 42.5

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 20.2 79.8

 Certificate † 97.1 2.9 † 91.6 8.5 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 100.0 † 84.1 15.9 † †

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

54
Table 2.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.3b—for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.3b—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 44.3 47.5 8.2 0.0 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 51.9 46.6 1.5 0.0 45.4 2.6 2.6 49.4 

 12–24 months 29.2 57.0 13.8 0.0 65.1 5.7 11.1 18.1 

 25 months or more 45.2 25.7 29.1 0.0 33.6 21.2 41.0 4.2 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 45.2 45.8 9.0 0.0 49.8 4.9 7.9 37.3 

 Mixed 32.3 59.7 7.9 0.0 58.2 9.4 16.7 15.7 

 Always part-time 47.3 52.0 0.7 0.0 51.1 1.7 3.5 43.8 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 63.8 35.4 0.9 0.0 36.2 † † 63.8 

 1996–97 19.6 71.2 9.3 0.0 80.4 † † 19.6 

 1997–98 45.1 38.0 17.0 0.0 35.3 19.6 32.7 12.4 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 43.8 47.8 8.4 0.0 54.3 1.9 5.9 37.9 

 Transferred 41.5 52.9 5.6 0.0 25.5 33.0 32.6 8.9 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 43.8 47.8 8.4 0.0 54.3 1.9 5.9 37.9 

 Downward transfer ———— ————

 Upward or lateral transfer 42.9 51.0 6.1 0.0 24.4 32.7 33.2 9.7 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 41.9 48.8 9.3 0.0 55.9 2.3 4.3 37.5 

 Not continuously enrolled 53.4 45.6 1.0 0.0 24.2 22.4 34.4 19.0 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

55
Table 2.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.3c—for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.3c—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 44.3 47.5 8.2 0.0 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8

Gender

 Male 44.8 42.1 13.2 0.0 51.4 4.0 7.3 37.3

 Female 44.7 49.1 6.2 0.0 50.3 5.9 9.6 34.2

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 52.6 30.4 17.0 0.0 39.0 7.7 17.2 36.1

 19 years 40.7 50.4 8.8 0.0 56.5 2.9 12.4 28.3

 20–23 years 42.8 52.9 4.3 0.0 53.6 3.7 8.4 34.4

 24–29 years 43.4 50.7 5.8 0.0 49.2 8.6 4.5 37.7

 30 or older 40.3 55.0 4.7 0.0 58.2 3.8 2.1 36.0

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 42.6 47.2 10.2 0.0 54.1 4.9 8.2 32.9

 Black, non-Hispanic 51.3 43.9 4.7 0.0 40.2 8.9 10.1 40.7

 Hispanic 38.8 52.6 8.6 0.0 57.4 2.9 10.2 29.5

 Asian/Pacific Islander 48.1 49.9 2.0 0.0 43.6 9.0 3.1 44.4

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native ———— ————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 

 (dependent) 41.2 46.3 12.5 0.0 52.8 6.3 13.3 27.6

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 31.5 63.0 5.6 0.0 66.6 3.0 6.1 24.3

 Single with children 46.7 46.0 7.2 0.0 45.5 7.8 4.2 42.5

 Married 53.3 43.5 3.3 0.0 45.5 3.2 5.7 45.6

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 39.2 52.7 8.1 0.0 56.2 4.8 7.0 32.1

 Some postsecondary 42.3 47.3 10.4 0.0 51.6 7.0 7.2 34.3

 Bachelor’s degree 53.8 39.1 7.1 0.0 39.8 7.3 16.4 36.6

 Advanced degree 38.7 34.5 26.9 0.0 48.2 6.0 13.7 32.1

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 42.0 51.8 6.2 0.0 53.5 4.6 5.9 36.0

 Student working to meet 

 expenses 38.2 43.9 17.9 0.0 56.2 6.0 13.5 24.3

 Employee who is enrolled 53.3 40.3 6.5 0.0 44.1 3.6 7.8 44.5

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

56
Table 2.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.3c—for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.3c—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

Table 2.3c——Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 45.7 46.3 7.9 0.0 47.6 7.0 14.6 30.8

 $25,000–44,999 31.6 52.2 16.2 0.0 61.9 6.3 10.0 21.9

 $45,000–69,999 44.5 37.0 18.6 0.0 55.4 2.3 10.8 31.5

 $70,000 or greater 42.6 39.6 17.8 0.0 49.6 7.8 20.3 22.4

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 46.8 46.4 6.7 0.0 45.2 8.5 4.1 42.2

 $6,000–14,999 44.2 49.3 6.5 0.0 53.3 2.7 7.7 36.4

 $15,000–24,999 43.2 54.7 2.1 0.0 54.6 2.2 4.2 39.1

 $25,000 or greater 48.7 44.1 7.3 0.0 49.1 5.6 4.2 41.1

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

57
Table 2.3d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.3d—for-profit less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.3d—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first 

Table 2.3d—enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 44.3 47.5 8.2 0.0 51.2 5.3 8.8 34.8

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 44.4 39.3 16.3 0.0 48.8 6.6 16.4 28.2

 One 39.4 50.1 10.6 0.0 54.1 6.4 9.2 30.3

 Two or three 44.5 49.0 6.5 0.0 53.9 3.7 7.9 34.6

 Four or more 46.9 48.6 4.6 0.0 46.7 6.7 4.1 42.5

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 43.4 46.6 10.0 0.0 52.6 4.8 10.5 32.2

 GED/high school equivalent* 46.1 48.3 5.6 0.0 46.8 7.6 6.4 39.2

 None* 52.3 47.7 0.0 0.0 42.8 5.8 1.3 50.1

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 48.5 34.7 16.9 0.0 44.1 6.8 18.0 31.1

 Delayed* 41.9 52.6 5.5 0.0 54.3 4.9 5.8 34.9

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 44.0 47.6 8.5 0.0 50.2 5.8 9.2 34.8

 Part-time* 41.4 53.0 5.6 0.0 56.6 2.0 6.4 34.9

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 41.2 46.3 12.5 0.0 52.8 6.3 13.3 27.6

 Independent* 46.2 48.2 5.6 0.0 49.6 5.2 5.2 40.0

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 41.0 49.0 10.0 0.0 54.6 4.9 10.7 29.9

 One or more* 48.2 46.8 5.0 0.0 46.3 6.5 4.0 43.2

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 42.8 48.9 8.3 0.0 53.6 4.7 9.5 32.3

 Single parent* 46.7 46.0 7.2 0.0 45.5 7.8 4.2 42.5

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 42.0 51.8 6.2 0.0 53.5 4.6 5.9 36.0

 Worked part time 41.2 45.6 13.2 0.0 54.2 5.3 12.0 28.5

 Worked full time* 48.8 40.7 10.5 0.0 47.0 5.0 10.2 37.9

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

58
Table 2.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year 

Table 2.4a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4a—status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree attained, and academic preparation

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 2.2 2.1 77.3 18.4 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8 

 Private, not-for-profit 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2 

 Private, for-profit 75.3 7.6 13.9 3.2 19.5 5.6 41.3 33.6 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 96.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 1.6 1.8 81.2 15.4 

 Non-doctorate-granting 94.9 1.7 2.9 0.6 2.9 2.4 72.9 21.9 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 83.5 7.9 8.6 0.0 15.5 1.6 53.1 29.8 

 Associate’s degree 80.0 4.8 15.2 0.0 13.1 8.1 31.8 47.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.9 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.3 1.7 80.5 16.5 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 94.3 3.7 1.6 0.5 3.7 1.9 50.1 44.4 

 Certificate 75.9 14.4 9.7 0.0 20.7 4.1 39.0 36.2 

 Associate’s degree 78.7 5.6 15.7 0.0 17.1 5.5 38.1 39.3 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.2 1.2 1.7 1.0 1.7 2.1 81.1 15.1 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 80.8 19.2 

 Certificate † 90.3 4.8 5.0 58.3 41.7 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 96.1 3.9 46.0 54.0 † †

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 96.6 1.2 1.6 0.5 1.5 1.9 78.0 18.6 

 Met curriculum threshold 97.3 0.7 1.3 0.8 0.5 2.1 87.5 10.0 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 95.3 1.8 2.2 0.7 2.8 1.9 74.1 21.1 

 One 95.7 1.6 1.3 1.4 1.5 2.9 84.1 11.5 

 More than one 96.6 0.4 1.3 1.7 1.4 1.8 89.2 7.7 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in 4-year institutions

_______

59
Table 2.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year 

Table 2.4a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4a—status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree attained, and academic preparation

Table 2.4a——Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 95.9 1.6 2.1 0.4 2.2 2.0 66.2 29.6 

 B+ to A- 96.8 1.6 1.1 0.6 1.3 2.0 80.4 16.3 

 Mostly As 97.2 0.4 1.5 0.9 0.8 1.8 91.1 6.3 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 94.0 3.4 2.0 0.7 3.8 2.3 66.2 27.7 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 96.9 1.1 1.6 0.5 1.2 1.9 78.8 18.0 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 97.5 0.4 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.4 88.2 9.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

60
Table 2.4b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year

Table 2.4b—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4b—status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 2.2 2.1 77.3 18.4 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 96.7 2.5 0.8 0.0 3.1 0.2 5.4 91.3 

 12–24 months 88.8 4.1 4.9 2.2 9.5 1.7 39.9 49.0 

 25 months or more 97.1 0.8 1.5 0.6 0.6 2.4 94.7 2.4 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 96.0 1.0 2.2 0.8 2.0 2.0 79.8 16.2 

 Mixed 95.2 2.8 1.2 0.8 2.6 2.2 77.0 18.3 

 Always part-time 93.3 5.1 1.6 0.0 4.7 2.0 24.9 68.4 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 97.4 1.6 1.0 0.0 2.6 † † 97.4 

 1996–97 84.3 5.4 6.3 4.0 15.7 † † 84.3 

 1997–98 96.8 1.1 1.6 0.5 0.8 2.4 92.0 4.8 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 96.0 1.1 2.0 0.9 2.3 1.8 77.0 18.9 

 Transferred 94.8 2.9 2.0 0.3 2.1 3.2 78.3 16.4 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 96.0 1.1 2.0 0.9 2.3 1.8 77.0 18.9 

 Downward transfer 91.0 6.0 3.0 0.0 4.1 5.0 67.0 24.0 

 Upward or lateral transfer 97.7 0.5 1.3 0.5 0.6 1.8 87.1 10.6 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 95.7 1.4 2.0 0.9 2.3 2.1 77.8 17.9 

 Not continuously enrolled 96.2 2.1 1.7 0.0 1.9 1.9 74.0 22.2 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in 4-year institutions

_______

61
Table 2.4c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year 

Table 2.4c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4c—status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 2.2 2.1 77.3 18.4 

Gender

 Male 95.6 1.7 1.9 0.9 2.2 2.2 75.6 19.9 

 Female 95.8 1.3 2.1 0.8 2.2 1.9 78.6 17.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 97.0 1.1 1.6 0.3 1.0 2.0 82.1 15.0 

 19 years 93.8 1.4 2.7 2.1 3.8 2.2 73.1 21.0 

 20–23 years 85.9 5.6 2.8 5.8 13.0 1.3 46.6 39.0 

 24–29 years 87.7 3.2 9.0 0.0 7.6 4.8 50.4 37.2 

 30 or older 91.3 4.3 3.2 1.2 6.5 2.4 40.3 50.8 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 96.2 1.1 2.0 0.7 2.1 1.8 77.6 18.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 95.8 3.4 0.9 0.0 3.0 1.3 71.0 24.7 

 Hispanic 93.2 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.8 4.0 75.3 17.9 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 97.0 0.3 1.6 1.1 0.4 1.8 86.5 11.3 

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native 94.7 0.0 5.3 0.0 0.0 5.3 80.8 13.9 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 

 (dependent) 96.2 1.3 1.8 0.8 1.8 2.0 80.2 16.0 

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 91.7 1.9 4.7 1.7 6.2 2.4 67.1 24.3 

 Single with children 89.8 7.3 2.9 0.0 6.1 4.2 44.6 45.2 

 Married 92.7 4.1 3.2 0.0 6.0 1.5 38.0 54.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 94.6 2.0 2.3 1.1 3.3 2.2 67.3 27.2 

 Some postsecondary 94.2 1.9 3.2 0.7 3.3 2.6 70.6 23.5 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.2 1.3 1.8 0.7 1.9 1.8 82.2 14.2 

 Advanced degree 97.6 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.5 88.5 9.1 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 95.3 1.5 2.4 0.8 2.3 2.3 82.0 13.4 

 Student working to meet 

 expenses 95.3 1.4 2.1 1.2 2.7 2.0 77.7 17.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 93.1 4.2 2.1 0.6 3.8 3.2 49.6 43.4 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in 4-year institutions

_______

62
Table 2.4c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year 

Table 2.4c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4c—status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 94.4 2.0 2.4 1.3 2.8 2.8 73.3 21.1 

 $25,000–44,999 95.9 1.6 1.7 0.8 2.4 1.8 75.7 20.2 

 $45,000–69,999 96.7 0.8 1.7 0.8 1.9 1.5 82.9 13.7 

 $70,000 or greater 97.1 1.0 1.3 0.6 0.7 2.1 85.8 11.5 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 93.3 4.3 2.4 0.0 5.8 1.0 48.0 45.2 

 $6,000–14,999 89.9 2.7 6.3 1.1 8.0 3.0 52.4 36.6 

 $15,000–24,999 93.4 2.0 4.6 0.0 2.3 4.3 55.4 38.0 

 $25,000 or greater 88.7 6.8 2.8 1.6 8.5 2.8 38.0 50.8 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

63
Table 2.4d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in 4-year 

Table 2.4d—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment 

Table 2.4d—status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.7 1.5 2.0 0.8 2.2 2.1 77.3 18.4

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 96.9 0.9 1.6 0.6 1.1 1.9 83.9 13.1

 One 92.8 2.2 2.5 2.5 4.3 2.9 68.0 24.7

 Two or three 90.7 4.9 3.5 0.9 7.5 1.9 53.5 37.1

 Four or more 92.3 4.9 2.8 0.0 5.3 2.7 38.5 53.5

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 95.9 1.4 1.9 0.8 2.1 2.1 77.8 18.1

 GED/high school equivalent* 88.3 4.2 7.5 0.0 10.6 1.4 51.0 37.1

 None* ———— ————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 97.2 1.0 1.6 0.2 1.0 1.8 82.3 14.9

 Delayed* 89.4 3.6 3.6 3.5 7.5 3.1 55.8 33.6

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 96.0 1.1 2.1 0.8 2.0 2.0 79.6 16.5

 Part-time* 92.7 5.2 1.6 0.6 4.4 2.8 56.9 35.9

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 96.2 1.3 1.8 0.8 1.8 2.0 80.2 16.0

 Independent* 91.2 4.2 3.9 0.7 6.4 2.6 48.1 42.9

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 95.9 1.4 1.9 0.9 2.1 2.1 79.2 16.7

 One or more* 92.9 5.3 1.8 0.0 4.7 2.5 41.2 51.7

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 95.9 1.4 1.9 0.8 2.1 2.0 78.4 17.5

 Single parent* 89.8 7.3 2.9 0.0 6.1 4.2 44.6 45.2

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 95.3 1.5 2.4 0.8 2.3 2.3 82.0 13.4

 Worked part time 95.5 1.3 2.1 1.1 2.5 2.1 78.4 17.1

 Worked full time* 94.0 3.5 1.6 0.9 4.2 1.9 55.6 38.4

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in 4-year institutions

_______

64
Table 2.5a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.5a—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.5a—attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree attained, and academic

Table 2.5a—preparation

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 96.7 1.3 1.1 0.9 1.7 1.4 80.3 16.6 

 Non-doctorate-granting 94.9 1.6 2.9 0.7 2.9 2.4 71.7 23.0 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 85.4 5.7 8.9 0.0 14.0 1.2 49.6 35.3 

 Associate’s degree 79.3 5.8 14.9 0.0 14.9 7.0 31.5 46.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 97.3 1.0 0.8 0.9 1.2 1.5 80.5 16.9 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 95.5 2.9 1.5 0.0 2.1 2.0 56.3 39.6 

 Certificate 77.5 9.3 13.3 0.0 18.9 3.9 35.6 41.6 

 Associate’s degree 76.2 7.5 16.3 0.0 18.1 7.0 36.2 38.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.7 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.7 1.5 80.8 16.0 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 80.4 19.6 

 Certificate † 91.6 7.0 1.4 56.4 43.6 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 93.2 6.9 53.0 47.0 † †

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 96.7 1.4 1.5 0.4 1.7 1.7 77.3 19.3 

 Met curriculum threshold 97.2 0.5 1.2 1.1 0.6 1.9 87.8 9.7 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 96.1 1.7 1.5 0.6 2.5 1.3 75.2 21.0 

 One 97.3 0.5 1.1 1.1 1.5 1.2 84.6 12.7 

 More than one 95.3 0.5 1.8 2.5 1.9 2.3 86.2 9.7 

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 96.3 1.8 1.6 0.2 2.1 1.6 66.7 29.6 

 B+ to A- 97.3 1.3 0.8 0.6 0.8 1.9 80.2 17.1 

 Mostly As 97.0 0.5 1.6 0.9 1.1 1.7 90.9 6.4 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 94.4 3.3 1.9 0.4 2.8 2.8 65.7 28.7 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 97.4 1.1 1.2 0.4 1.3 1.4 79.5 17.9 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 97.0 0.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.5 85.8 11.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

_______

65
Table 2.5b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public

Table 2.5b—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.5b—attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 97.8 1.3 0.9 0.0 1.9 0.4 7.0 90.8 

 12–24 months 88.9 4.1 4.9 2.0 9.3 1.8 40.6 48.4 

 25 months or more 97.5 0.8 1.1 0.6 0.6 1.9 95.2 2.3 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 96.6 0.8 2.0 0.7 1.9 1.5 79.7 16.9 

 Mixed 94.5 3.4 1.1 1.0 3.0 2.5 76.9 17.6 

 Always part-time 96.7 2.7 0.6 0.0 1.9 1.4 29.8 67.0 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 98.2 0.6 1.2 0.0 1.8 † † 98.2 

 1996–97 84.3 4.7 7.3 3.7 15.7 † † 84.3 

 1997–98 97.2 1.1 1.2 0.5 0.7 2.1 92.3 4.9 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 96.6 0.9 1.6 0.9 2.2 1.2 76.7 19.8 

 Transferred 94.4 3.3 2.2 0.2 1.9 3.7 79.4 15.0 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 96.6 0.9 1.6 0.9 2.2 1.2 76.7 19.8 

 Downward transfer 90.7 6.6 2.7 0.0 3.7 5.6 68.5 22.2 

 Upward or lateral transfer 97.6 0.4 1.8 0.3 0.5 2.0 88.9 8.7 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 96.2 1.3 1.7 0.9 2.2 1.6 78.1 18.1 

 Not continuously enrolled 95.5 2.3 2.2 0.1 2.1 2.4 72.0 23.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

_______

66
Table 2.5c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.5c—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.5c—attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8 

Gender

 Male 95.9 1.4 1.6 1.2 2.0 2.1 76.0 19.8 

 Female 96.2 1.4 1.9 0.5 2.3 1.4 78.2 18.2 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 97.2 1.1 1.4 0.3 1.0 1.8 81.5 15.7 

 19 years 93.0 1.5 3.0 2.6 4.4 2.1 73.7 19.9 

 20–23 years 86.5 4.7 3.2 5.6 12.6 1.1 46.4 40.0 

 24–29 years 99.3 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.0 58.3 41.0 

 30 or older 93.0 2.7 4.3 0.0 5.3 1.9 46.0 46.8 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 96.7 1.1 1.7 0.5 2.0 1.3 77.0 19.6 

 Black, non-Hispanic 96.9 2.3 0.9 0.0 2.3 0.8 71.4 25.5 

 Hispanic 93.1 2.2 1.8 2.9 2.3 4.8 79.1 13.8 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 97.3 0.3 0.8 1.7 0.6 0.8 87.5 11.1 

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native ———— ————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 

 (dependent) 96.2 1.3 1.6 0.9 1.9 1.8 79.6 16.7 

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 98.6 0.5 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.5 75.3 23.2 

 Single with children 93.0 6.4 0.6 0.0 6.5 0.7 53.3 39.6 

 Married 93.2 2.6 4.2 0.0 4.5 2.4 40.6 52.6 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 94.9 2.1 2.0 1.0 2.9 2.3 69.0 25.8 

 Some postsecondary 94.1 2.0 3.0 1.0 3.7 2.2 68.9 25.2 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.6 1.0 1.6 0.8 2.2 0.9 81.8 15.1 

 Advanced degree 98.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.3 1.1 90.5 8.1 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 95.8 1.1 2.2 0.9 2.3 1.6 83.2 12.9 

 Student working to meet 

 expenses 95.4 1.6 1.8 1.2 2.7 1.9 76.3 19.1 

 Employee who is enrolled 94.9 3.3 1.8 0.0 3.2 2.3 50.5 44.0 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

_______

67
Table 2.5c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.5c—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.5c—attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 94.0 2.1 2.3 1.7 3.1 3.0 73.4 20.5 

 $25,000–44,999 96.1 1.2 1.7 1.0 2.4 1.5 75.2 20.8 

 $45,000–69,999 97.0 1.0 1.4 0.6 1.8 1.2 82.0 15.0 

 $70,000 or greater 97.4 0.9 1.2 0.5 0.7 1.6 85.2 12.5 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 93.0 6.4 0.7 0.0 5.7 1.5 46.8 46.0 

 $6,000–14,999 97.4 1.1 1.5 0.0 2.8 0.0 63.5 33.8 

 $15,000–24,999 94.9 1.5 3.6 0.0 2.7 2.5 59.6 35.3 

 $25,000 or greater 94.1 2.5 3.4 0.0 4.3 1.6 42.6 51.5 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

68
Table 2.5d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in public 

Table 2.5d—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and 

Table 2.5d—attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 96.1 1.4 1.8 0.8 2.2 1.7 77.3 18.8

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 97.2 0.8 1.5 0.5 1.1 1.7 83.7 13.6

 One 92.8 2.1 2.2 2.9 4.7 2.6 67.8 24.9

 Two or three 93.1 5.0 1.9 0.0 5.7 1.4 57.7 35.2

 Four or more 94.8 2.9 2.3 0.0 4.1 1.3 41.9 52.7

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 96.2 1.3 1.6 0.8 2.0 1.8 77.7 18.6

 GED/high school equivalent* 86.9 3.7 9.4 0.0 12.9 1.0 48.2 37.9

 None* ———— ————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 97.2 1.2 1.4 0.2 1.1 1.8 81.8 15.5

 Delayed* 91.4 2.0 3.1 3.5 6.8 1.7 58.4 33.2

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 96.5 0.9 1.8 0.8 1.9 1.5 79.3 17.3

 Part-time* 92.5 5.2 1.5 0.8 4.0 3.6 61.1 31.4

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 96.2 1.3 1.6 0.9 1.9 1.8 79.6 16.7

 Independent* 94.8 2.9 2.3 0.0 4.0 1.4 52.7 42.0

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 96.2 1.3 1.7 0.9 1.9 1.8 79.0 17.3

 One or more* 94.9 4.3 0.7 0.0 4.3 0.8 48.3 46.7

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 96.2 1.3 1.7 0.8 2.0 1.8 78.2 18.0

 Single parent* 93.0 6.4 0.6 0.0 6.5 0.7 53.3 39.6

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 95.8 1.1 2.2 0.9 2.3 1.6 83.2 12.9

 Worked part time 95.5 1.5 1.8 1.2 2.7 1.9 76.8 18.7

 Worked full time* 96.2 2.4 1.4 0.0 2.1 1.8 57.6 38.5

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

_______

69
Table 2.6a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private,

Table 2.6a—not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

Table 2.6a—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by degree program, first degree attained, and academic

Table 2.6a—preparation

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 95.7 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.3 3.1 84.0 11.6 

 Non-doctorate-granting 95.8 1.5 2.3 0.5 2.1 2.2 75.5 20.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 80.6 12.0 7.4 0.0 17.7 2.4 59.7 20.3 

 Associate’s degree 81.8 2.5 15.7 0.0 8.0 11.4 30.3 50.3 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.8 1.2 1.2 0.8 1.2 2.1 81.4 15.4 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 93.0 4.3 1.4 1.3 5.4 1.8 41.0 51.8 

 Certificate ———— ————

 Associate’s degree 83.3 1.9 14.9 0.0 14.0 4.6 40.6 40.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 95.9 1.3 1.9 0.9 1.3 2.9 82.7 13.1 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 100.0 ††† †† 82.1 18.0 

 Certificate † 86.9 2.0 11.1 56.6 43.4 † †

 Associate’s degree † † 100.0 0.0 31.1 68.9 † †

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 96.6 0.8 1.8 0.7 1.2 2.3 79.7 16.8 

 Met curriculum threshold 97.4 1.0 1.3 0.4 0.4 2.4 86.9 10.4 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 94.3 1.6 3.1 1.0 2.6 3.1 73.3 20.9 

 One 94.7 3.6 0.7 1.0 0.7 4.7 85.7 8.8 

 More than one 98.2 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.1 92.9 5.2 

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 95.0 1.2 3.0 0.8 2.5 2.8 65.3 29.4 

 B+ to A- 96.1 2.1 1.4 0.4 1.9 2.3 80.9 15.0 

 Mostly As 97.6 0.3 1.3 0.9 0.4 2.1 91.4 6.2 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 92.6 3.6 2.4 1.4 6.2 1.4 67.0 25.5 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 96.3 0.9 2.2 0.6 0.9 3.1 77.8 18.3 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 98.1 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.7 1.3 91.3 6.8 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

70
Table 2.6b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.6b—not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year 

Table 2.6b—persistence and attainment status as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns through 1998

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 95.2 4.3 0.5 0.0 4.8 0.0 2.1 93.1 

 12–24 months 90.0 3.3 4.8 2.0 8.5 1.5 39.7 50.4 

 25 months or more 96.8 0.9 1.7 0.6 0.2 3.0 94.3 2.5 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 95.7 1.2 2.2 0.9 1.6 2.7 81.2 14.5 

 Mixed 96.9 1.5 1.3 0.2 1.5 1.6 77.0 19.9 

 Always part-time 86.7 9.2 4.1 0.0 9.7 3.6 16.8 70.0 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 95.7 3.6 0.7 0.0 4.3 † † 95.7 

 1996–97 86.6 6.1 3.5 3.8 13.4 † † 86.6 

 1997–98 96.5 0.9 2.1 0.6 0.6 2.9 91.9 4.6 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 95.6 1.3 2.3 0.8 1.8 2.7 78.9 16.7 

 Transferred 96.1 2.0 1.4 0.5 2.0 1.9 77.1 19.0 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 95.6 1.3 2.3 0.8 1.8 2.7 78.9 16.7 

 Downward transfer 93.2 4.2 2.6 0.0 4.0 2.8 65.0 28.2 

 Upward or lateral transfer 97.8 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.8 1.4 84.4 13.4 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 95.4 1.5 2.2 0.9 1.9 2.7 78.4 17.0 

 Not continuously enrolled 98.2 1.3 0.6 0.0 1.1 0.8 79.0 19.1 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

71
Table 2.6c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.6c—not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.6c—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2 

Gender

 Male 95.7 2.1 1.9 0.3 2.0 2.3 76.4 19.2 

 Female 95.8 1.0 2.1 1.1 1.7 2.6 80.1 15.6 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 97.1 0.9 1.7 0.3 0.7 2.3 83.5 13.5 

 19 years 95.4 1.3 2.1 1.2 2.5 2.4 72.8 22.4 

 20–23 years 86.6 5.1 1.5 6.8 12.0 1.6 48.5 37.9 

 24–29 years 75.5 8.0 16.6 0.0 13.3 12.0 44.3 30.4 

 30 or older 90.1 8.0 1.9 0.0 6.1 3.8 31.3 58.8 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 95.7 1.0 2.3 1.0 1.9 2.6 79.6 15.9 

 Black, non-Hispanic 94.1 4.9 1.0 0.0 4.0 2.4 71.3 22.4 

 Hispanic 95.9 2.6 1.1 0.5 1.0 2.7 71.8 24.5 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 98.3 0.3 1.4 0.0 0.0 1.8 86.0 12.2 

 American Indian/

 Alaskan Native ———— ————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 

 (dependent) 96.3 1.2 1.7 0.7 1.4 2.3 81.9 14.4 

 Single, no children 

 (independent) 85.4 4.2 8.6 1.9 9.7 5.4 56.3 28.6 

 Single with children 84.4 7.7 8.0 0.0 3.8 11.8 37.2 47.2 

 Married 94.3 5.2 0.5 0.0 6.1 0.0 34.2 59.8 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 94.9 1.6 2.5 1.0 3.0 2.2 65.6 29.1 

 Some postsecondary 95.1 1.9 2.9 0.1 1.8 3.3 75.3 19.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.1 1.5 1.8 0.7 0.9 3.1 84.1 12.0 

 Advanced degree 96.8 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.3 2.0 86.3 10.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 94.7 2.3 2.5 0.5 1.8 3.7 80.0 14.6 

 Student working to meet 

 expenses 95.8 0.8 2.1 1.3 2.2 2.2 81.5 14.2 

 Employee who is enrolled 91.2 6.4 2.4 0.0 3.5 4.7 49.2 42.5 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

72
Table 2.6c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.6c—not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence 

Table 2.6c—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 96.5 1.4 1.7 0.5 1.3 2.1 75.0 21.7 

 $25,000–44,999 95.7 2.2 1.6 0.5 2.3 2.1 76.9 18.6 

 $45,000–69,999 96.0 0.4 2.4 1.3 2.1 2.0 84.7 11.2 

 $70,000 or greater 96.9 1.0 1.4 0.7 0.5 2.8 86.9 9.8 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 97.7 1.1 1.2 0.0 1.7 0.6 52.5 45.2 

 $6,000–14,999 78.6 2.6 15.6 3.2 15.6 9.3 34.6 40.5 

 $15,000–24,999 ———— ————

 $25,000 or greater 81.0 19.0 0.0 0.0 12.7 6.3 32.2 48.8 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

_______

73
Table 2.6d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began in private, 

Table 2.6d—not-for-profit 4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence

Table 2.6d—and attainment status as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.5 78.5 17.2

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 96.8 1.0 1.6 0.6 1.1 2.2 84.7 12.0

 One 93.4 2.2 2.8 1.6 3.1 3.6 69.1 24.2

 Two or three 91.4 2.9 4.6 1.0 5.8 2.8 48.5 42.9

 Four or more 87.6 8.3 4.1 0.0 7.3 5.8 34.6 52.3

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 95.8 1.5 2.0 0.8 1.8 2.5 79.1 16.6

 GED/high school equivalent* 94.3 3.6 2.1 0.0 3.6 2.1 57.3 37.1

 None* ———— ————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 97.6 0.5 1.6 0.2 0.7 1.8 83.9 13.6

 Delayed* 86.6 6.2 4.0 3.2 7.4 6.1 52.7 33.8

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 95.9 1.2 2.1 0.8 1.5 2.6 81.1 14.7

 Part-time* 93.3 5.0 1.8 0.0 5.4 1.4 47.4 45.8

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 96.3 1.2 1.7 0.7 1.4 2.3 81.9 14.4

 Independent* 88.6 5.3 5.3 0.7 7.0 4.8 43.7 44.5

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 96.0 1.3 2.0 0.8 1.8 2.4 80.5 15.4

 One or more* 88.9 6.7 4.4 0.0 4.6 6.6 30.5 58.4

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 95.9 1.4 1.9 0.8 1.8 2.4 79.6 16.2

 Single parent* 84.4 7.7 8.0 0.0 3.8 11.8 37.2 47.2

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 94.7 2.3 2.5 0.5 1.8 3.7 80.0 14.6

 Worked part time 95.8 0.9 2.3 1.0 1.9 2.4 81.8 13.9

 Worked full time* 92.8 4.5 1.1 1.6 5.4 1.9 54.9 37.8

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

Highest degree attained

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

74
Table 3.0a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest

Table 3.0a—degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of

Table 3.0a—spring 1998, by first institution type and first degree program

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.3 4.5 8.9 41.7 25.7 18.9 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

 Private, for-profit 3.2 10.7 4.8 28.5 27.4 25.4 

 2-year

 Public † 6.0 6.5 31.6 35.4 20.6 

 Private, not-for-profit † 30.1 11.3 12.7 24.8 21.1 

 Private, for-profit † 23.3 22.6 12.7 33.0 8.5 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public † † 48.6 5.3 36.7 9.5 

 Private, for-profit † † 55.4 7.2 30.5 6.9 

Level of first institution

 4-year 0.7 1.5 0.9 63.5 12.9 20.4 

 2-year 0.0 7.6 7.7 29.9 35.1 19.7 

 Less-than-2-year 0.0 0.0 53.5 6.9 32.1 7.5 

Control of first institution

 Public 0.3 4.2 5.4 42.6 27.6 20.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 0.6 3.3 1.7 59.7 13.0 21.6 

 Private, for-profit 0.1 8.1 42.5 9.9 31.2 8.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 0.0 1.8 39.3 15.1 35.4 8.5 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 9.0 2.8 31.9 34.2 22.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.8 0.6 0.5 66.1 11.3 20.7 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 0.0 1.2 6.3 13.9 45.8 32.8 

 Certificate 0.0 1.6 47.9 10.8 33.5 6.3 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 13.6 4.7 36.3 33.2 12.3 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 0.7 2.2 0.8 59.1 14.5 22.7 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None † † † 48.7 30.6 20.7 

 Certificate 0.3 2.1 82.8 5.4 † 9.4 

 Associate’s degree 0.7 86.3 † 3.5 † 9.6 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained at the first institution

Retention at the first institution

_______

75
Table 3.0b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 3.0b—degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of 

Table 3.0b—spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.3 4.5 8.9 41.7 25.7 18.9 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.0 0.7 17.0 7.9 68.4 6.0 

 12–24 months 0.5 5.8 13.2 27.7 26.7 26.1 

 25 months or more 0.4 5.9 2.4 66.9 2.1 22.5 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 0.4 6.3 9.8 45.4 20.7 17.4 

 Mixed 0.2 3.2 6.9 44.3 16.8 28.8 

 Always part-time 0.0 0.2 9.6 22.8 62.5 5.0 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.0 0.6 14.9 0.3 82.9 1.3 

 1996–97 0.8 6.9 25.0 11.5 43.9 12.0 

 1997–98 0.3 5.1 3.1 62.2 3.2 26.2 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 0.4 3.3 10.7 52.7 32.9 †

 Transferred 0.0 8.5 2.4 2.2 0.0 86.8 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 0.4 3.3 10.7 52.7 32.9 †

 Downward transfer 0.0 0.9 1.1 3.9 0.0 94.2 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.1 10.6 2.8 1.8 0.0 84.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 0.4 5.3 10.0 39.4 30.7 14.3 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 0.3 3.0 53.8 0.0 42.9 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

_______

76
Table 3.0c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 3.0c—degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of 

Table 3.0c—spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.3 4.5 8.9 41.7 25.7 18.9 

Gender

 Male 0.4 4.4 7.6 43.3 25.4 18.9 

 Female 0.3 4.5 9.8 40.4 26.1 19.0 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 0.2 5.2 3.1 50.9 17.6 23.0 

 19 years 0.6 4.4 6.7 41.4 25.6 21.4 

 20–23 years 1.2 3.5 17.5 33.1 32.3 12.4 

 24–29 years 0.0 3.0 26.3 19.4 44.5 6.8 

 30 or older 0.1 2.8 21.1 18.6 48.3 9.2 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 0.3 5.0 8.2 41.8 25.3 19.4 

 Black, non-Hispanic 0.0 3.9 12.3 34.1 32.9 16.8 

 Hispanic 0.8 3.1 11.2 43.5 23.8 17.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 0.2 2.1 5.1 51.3 23.3 18.1 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.0 2.5 5.4 40.3 28.0 23.7 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 0.4 4.8 4.5 49.3 18.6 22.4 

 Single, no children (independent) 0.3 3.0 18.8 23.9 42.9 11.1 

 Single with children 0.0 5.5 20.4 27.2 37.3 9.6 

 Married 0.0 2.2 22.2 18.4 49.3 7.8 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 0.3 4.8 13.5 34.8 32.2 14.4 

 Some postsecondary 0.3 4.7 7.7 39.6 27.0 20.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.3 5.9 3.5 47.7 17.8 24.9 

 Advanced degree 0.5 2.5 1.1 59.9 13.0 23.0 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 0.3 3.6 11.4 46.0 20.9 17.8 

 Student working to meet expenses 0.5 5.9 5.4 44.8 21.2 22.2 

 Employee who is enrolled 0.1 4.7 13.0 25.0 45.6 11.6 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 0.6 5.3 7.5 47.5 20.5 18.6 

 $25,000–44,999 0.3 5.2 5.3 44.5 21.1 23.5 

 $45,000–69,999 0.4 4.6 2.6 49.3 21.1 22.0 

 $70,000 or greater 0.3 4.1 2.3 55.8 11.7 25.9 

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

_______

77
Table 3.0c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 3.0c—degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of 

Table 3.0c—spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 0.0 4.5 17.8 23.9 40.3 13.6 

 $6,000–14,999 0.1 4.8 20.8 19.2 43.0 12.1 

 $15,000–24,999 0.0 2.4 27.5 25.5 39.1 5.5 

 $25,000 or greater 0.2 2.6 15.5 19.7 54.1 7.9 

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

_______

78
Table 3.0d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the highest 

Table 3.0d—degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first institution attended, as of 

Table 3.0d—spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 0.3 4.5 8.9 41.7 25.7 18.9 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 0.3 5.8 2.8 55.9 11.7 23.5 

 One 0.8 4.4 7.1 40.1 25.2 22.5 

 Two or three 0.1 2.5 16.7 28.5 38.3 13.8 

 Four or more 0.0 3.5 18.1 22.3 47.2 8.9 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 0.3 4.6 7.3 43.5 24.8 19.5 

 GED/high school equivalent2 0.0 4.1 21.5 31.1 28.6 14.7 

 None2 0.0 1.9 24.3 9.6 52.6 11.7 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 0.1 5.1 3.2 50.7 17.4 23.5 

 Delayed2 0.7 3.5 17.3 28.6 38.1 11.8 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 0.4 5.3 8.9 45.4 20.3 19.6 

 Part-time2 0.1 2.2 8.8 32.2 39.6 17.1 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 0.4 4.8 4.5 49.3 18.6 22.4 

 Independent2 0.1 3.6 20.9 21.9 43.9 9.6 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 0.4 4.6 6.6 45.7 21.9 20.8 

 One or more2 0.0 3.8 21.0 22.8 43.8 8.6 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 0.3 4.4 7.7 43.7 24.1 19.8 

 Single parent2 0.0 5.5 20.4 27.2 37.3 9.6 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 0.3 3.6 11.4 46.0 20.9 17.8 

 Worked part time 0.5 6.6 6.7 44.4 19.6 22.3 

 Worked full time2 0.2 3.4 11.3 28.4 44.1 12.7 

1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

_______

79
Table 3.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1a—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type and first degree program

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 6.5 14.5 26.5 34.6 17.9 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 6.0 6.5 31.6 35.4 20.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 30.1 11.3 12.7 24.8 21.1 

 Private, for-profit 23.3 22.6 12.7 33.0 8.5 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public † 48.6 5.3 36.7 9.5 

 Private, for-profit † 55.4 7.2 30.5 6.9 

Level of first institution

 2-year 7.6 7.7 29.9 35.1 19.7 

 Less-than-2-year 0.0 53.5 6.9 32.1 7.5 

Control of first institution

 Public 5.8 8.0 30.6 35.5 20.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 26.7 11.4 12.7 28.8 20.4 

 Private, for-profit 8.0 44.1 9.1 31.4 7.4 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 1.4 40.7 13.8 35.9 8.1 

 Associate’s degree 8.8 2.7 32.2 34.1 22.3 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 1.4 8.6 11.7 49.5 28.9 

 Certificate 1.3 46.7 12.1 33.5 6.4 

 Associate’s degree 13.3 4.6 35.7 33.8 12.7 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 5.2 1.0 31.7 25.4 36.6 

 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 0.1 9.3 13.7 55.7 21.2 

 Degree, no transfer 7.2 25.2 23.2 35.4 9.0 

 Degree, transfer 13.4 1.6 35.1 28.0 21.9 

 No degree, transfer 5.5 1.2 30.8 26.2 36.3 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 1.4 40.7 13.8 35.9 8.1 

 Associate’s applied fields 12.2 4.0 31.8 36.3 15.7 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 5.4 1.5 32.5 31.8 28.8 

Less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

_______

80
Table 3.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1a—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type and first degree program

Table 3.1a——Continued

 No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 5.2 28.2 15.1 42.9 8.7 

 Degree or certificate 8.0 12.4 28.5 37.2 13.9 

 Transfer to 4-year 10.9 1.1 38.0 22.1 27.9 

 Other 5.0 12.1 20.0 42.1 20.8 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None † † 33.4 45.5 21.1 

 Certificate 2.0 84.9 5.6 † 7.5 

 Associate’s degree 89.0 † 2.6 † 8.4 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

the first institution

Attained at Retention at the first institution

_______

81
Table 3.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1b—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1b—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 6.5 14.5 26.5 34.6 17.9 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.7 19.7 7.0 67.3 5.3 

 12–24 months 6.7 17.4 27.1 26.1 22.7 

 25 months or more 13.5 5.4 49.6 2.9 28.7 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 12.1 21.5 17.6 31.6 17.3 

 Mixed 4.1 9.0 39.8 19.8 27.3 

 Always part-time 0.1 10.2 21.8 63.7 4.2 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.6 17.1 0.1 80.9 1.3 

 1996–97 7.5 31.2 10.4 42.3 8.5 

 1997–98 9.6 6.1 48.4 4.5 31.5 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 4.4 17.5 33.6 44.5 †

 Transferred 13.9 4.0 1.6 0.0 80.6 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 4.4 17.5 33.6 44.5 †

 Downward transfer 4.2 5.7 0.0 0.0 90.1 

 Upward or lateral transfer 14.6 3.9 1.7 0.0 79.9 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 7.9 16.8 19.8 42.7 12.7 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.3 4.4 55.1 0.0 40.2 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

82
Table 3.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1c—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 6.5 14.5 26.5 34.6 17.9 

Gender

 Male 6.4 12.0 30.3 32.5 18.9 

 Female 6.6 16.3 23.4 36.6 17.2 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 10.3 6.5 30.3 27.2 25.7 

 19 years 5.7 10.0 31.9 31.4 21.1 

 20–23 years 3.9 21.2 31.5 33.3 10.2 

 24–29 years 2.4 28.9 16.3 46.0 6.5 

 30 or older 2.7 23.1 15.7 48.9 9.6 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 7.6 13.7 24.8 34.5 19.3 

 Black, non-Hispanic 5.7 17.8 22.3 41.1 13.1 

 Hispanic 3.8 16.7 35.4 29.0 15.2 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 3.7 10.4 26.7 41.3 17.8 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 1.3 7.8 26.7 36.5 27.8 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 8.7 8.7 31.6 27.2 23.8 

 Single, no children (independent) 2.6 22.4 17.2 47.6 10.2 

 Single with children 5.7 22.1 25.4 37.3 9.5 

 Married 2.1 25.0 15.0 50.2 7.7 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 5.9 18.4 26.5 37.2 12.0 

 Some postsecondary 6.0 11.6 29.5 33.5 19.5 

 Bachelor’s degree 10.8 6.6 27.8 26.8 28.2 

 Advanced degree 7.9 2.3 18.3 31.9 39.7 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 5.4 22.2 23.2 33.0 16.2 

 Student working to meet expenses 9.3 9.1 30.4 28.5 22.8 

 Employee who is enrolled 5.3 14.9 21.2 47.9 10.8 

Less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

_______

83
Table 3.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1c—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

 No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 7.9 12.6 38.0 25.7 15.8 

 $25,000–44,999 8.8 8.9 29.3 27.2 25.9 

 $45,000–69,999 8.1 5.3 28.9 34.7 22.9 

 $70,000 or greater 10.9 5.6 26.7 19.6 37.2 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 4.8 20.5 20.3 41.1 13.3 

 $6,000–14,999 4.6 22.9 16.2 44.3 12.0 

 $15,000–24,999 2.3 30.4 23.1 40.1 4.2 

 $25,000 or greater 2.6 17.1 16.1 56.0 8.3 

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

the first institution

Attained at Retention at the first institution

_______

84
Table 3.1d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year 

Table 3.1d—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.1d—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first 

Table 3.1d—enrolled

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 6.5 14.5 26.5 34.6 17.9 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 16.0 8.3 27.1 18.3 30.4 

 One 5.8 9.8 32.8 29.5 22.2 

 Two or three 2.4 18.9 26.8 39.5 12.4 

 Four or more 3.5 19.8 19.7 47.9 9.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 7.1 12.6 27.0 34.5 18.8 

 GED/high school equivalent2 3.7 23.8 30.0 28.8 13.7 

 None2 2.0 25.1 8.5 53.5 11.0 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 9.7 6.5 31.3 26.1 26.3 

 Delayed2 3.7 21.3 23.2 41.5 10.3 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 9.3 17.6 24.4 29.7 19.0 

 Part-time2 2.4 9.8 29.6 42.0 16.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 8.7 8.7 31.6 27.2 23.8 

 Independent2 3.6 23.5 18.6 45.1 9.2 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 7.4 11.9 28.6 31.4 20.8 

 One or more2 4.0 23.1 20.4 44.0 8.5 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 6.8 13.3 26.8 33.9 19.2 

 Single parent 5.7 22.1 25.4 37.3 9.5 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 5.4 22.2 23.2 33.0 16.2 

 Worked part time 10.6 11.5 28.9 26.1 22.9 

 Worked full time2 3.8 13.4 23.9 47.4 11.5 

1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

85
Table 3.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year 

Table 3.2a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.2a—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type and first degree program

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 5.8 8.0 30.6 35.5 20.2 

Level of first institution

 2-year 6.0 6.5 31.6 35.4 20.6 

 Less-than-2-year † 48.6 5.3 36.7 9.5 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 1.4 29.7 19.9 40.3 8.7 

 Associate’s degree 6.8 2.5 33.4 34.3 23.1 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 1.7 2.3 13.1 50.1 32.9 

 Certificate 2.0 36.8 17.5 38.2 5.6 

 Associate’s 10.0 4.2 38.0 34.6 13.2 

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year 4.5 1.0 32.1 25.4 37.0 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 0.0 1.8 16.6 58.2 23.5 

 Degree, no transfer 5.9 16.6 29.9 38.0 9.7 

 Degree, transfer 12.5 1.4 35.8 28.2 22.2 

 No degree, transfer 5.0 1.0 31.2 26.1 36.8 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 1.4 29.7 19.9 40.3 8.7 

 Associate’s applied fields 8.8 3.6 34.2 37.0 16.4 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 5.2 1.5 32.6 31.9 28.7 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 3.7 15.6 21.3 50.2 9.3 

 Degree or certificate 5.4 9.7 31.8 38.6 14.6 

 Transfer to 4-year 10.5 1.0 38.3 22.2 28.0 

 Other 3.4 8.3 22.6 42.9 22.8 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None † † 35.4 42.4 22.2 

 Certificate 1.6 80.8 8.7 † 9.0 

 Associate’s degree 85.7 † 3.1 † 11.1 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

86
Table 3.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year 

Table 3.2b—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.2b—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 5.8 8.0 30.6 35.5 20.2 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.3 11.3 8.0 74.7 5.8 

 12–24 months 4.0 8.9 31.6 30.2 25.3 

 25 months or more 12.2 4.2 51.1 2.8 29.7 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 12.8 11.5 22.5 30.4 22.9 

 Mixed 3.6 5.5 42.2 20.6 28.0 

 Always part-time 0.0 7.3 23.0 65.4 4.4 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.4 11.6 0.0 86.3 1.7 

 1996–97 5.8 16.1 12.9 54.7 10.5 

 1997–98 8.4 3.7 51.3 4.3 32.3 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 3.0 10.0 40.0 47.0 †

 Transferred 14.3 1.6 1.8 0.0 82.3 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 3.0 10.0 40.0 47.0 †

 Downward transfer —— ———

 Upward or lateral transfer 15.0 1.3 1.9 0.0 81.9 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 7.1 9.5 23.8 44.2 15.4 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.3 1.8 58.6 0.0 39.4 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

Public less-than-4-year institutions

_______

87
Table 3.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year 

Table 3.2c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.2c—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 5.8 8.0 30.6 35.5 20.2 

Gender

 Male 5.1 8.1 33.9 32.2 20.8 

 Female 6.3 7.9 27.6 38.7 19.6 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 9.3 4.2 32.4 26.6 27.6 

 19 years 4.4 2.6 36.6 32.7 23.8 

 20–23 years 3.2 7.2 42.5 35.6 11.5 

 24–29 years 1.0 24.6 19.5 49.4 5.6 

 30 or older 1.6 13.8 19.1 54.5 11.1 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 6.8 8.6 28.1 35.4 21.2 

 Black, non-Hispanic 5.8 10.7 27.7 42.6 13.2 

 Hispanic 2.1 5.1 44.2 29.3 19.4 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 2.5 2.0 31.3 43.0 21.3 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —— ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 7.8 4.4 34.6 27.4 25.8 

 Single, no children (independent) 1.2 9.7 21.1 57.4 10.7 

 Single with children 5.5 12.9 34.2 38.1 9.3 

 Married 1.1 19.9 17.4 53.2 8.4 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 5.1 10.5 31.8 39.5 13.2 

 Some postsecondary 4.5 6.3 32.7 35.0 21.5 

 Bachelor’s degree 10.7 3.1 30.5 25.9 29.8 

 Advanced degree 7.2 0.1 19.0 32.7 41.0 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 4.8 9.5 31.6 33.4 20.7 

 Student working to meet expenses 7.5 5.0 33.5 29.6 24.5 

 Employee who is enrolled 5.0 11.2 23.3 49.0 11.5 

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

_______

88
Table 3.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year 

Table 3.2c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.2c—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

 No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Dependent income

 Less than $25,000 7.5 6.3 44.1 24.8 17.3 

 $25,000–44,999 7.3 4.2 32.4 27.9 28.2 

 $45,000–69,999 7.1 3.4 30.5 35.1 23.9 

 $70,000 or greater 10.0 3.1 27.9 19.6 39.4 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 3.1 8.8 27.1 45.8 15.1 

 $6,000–14,999 4.2 13.0 20.3 49.7 12.8 

 $15,000–24,999 1.9 26.8 26.6 41.3 3.5 

 $25,000 or greater 0.8 8.5 18.9 61.7 10.2 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

the first institution

Attained at Retention at the first institution

_______

89
Table 3.2d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year 

Table 3.2d—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.2d—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first 

Table 3.2d—enrolled

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 5.8 8.0 30.6 35.5 20.2 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 15.3 4.6 29.0 17.0 34.0 

 One 4.5 3.8 37.8 29.7 24.1 

 Two or three 1.1 11.0 32.6 41.7 13.6 

 Four or more 3.1 13.1 22.8 51.6 9.4 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 6.2 6.8 30.7 35.5 20.9 

 GED/high school equivalent2 2.8 16.9 37.4 27.1 15.8 

 None2 3.2 14.3 10.4 58.1 14.0 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 8.6 3.7 33.5 25.9 28.3 

 Delayed2 2.6 12.6 28.8 45.1 11.0 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 8.9 8.8 30.2 29.2 22.9 

 Part-time2 2.1 7.0 31.2 42.7 17.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 7.8 4.4 34.6 27.4 25.8 

 Independent2 2.6 15.4 22.9 49.5 9.7 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 6.5 6.3 32.2 32.1 22.9 

 One or more2 3.6 15.1 25.6 46.9 8.8 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 6.0 7.4 30.4 34.7 21.4 

 Single parent2 5.5 12.9 34.2 38.1 9.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 4.8 9.5 31.6 33.4 20.7 

 Worked part time 9.6 6.7 32.2 26.1 25.3 

 Worked full time2 2.8 10.1 26.0 49.3 11.9 

1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Public less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

90
Table 3.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit 

Table 3.3a—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention 

Table 3.3a—and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type and 

Table 3.3a—first degree program

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 8.0 44.1 9.1 31.4 7.4 

Level of first institution

 2-year 23.3 22.6 12.7 33.0 8.5 

 Less-than-2-year † 55.4 7.2 30.5 6.9 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 1.2 54.2 6.9 30.7 7.0 

 Associate’s degree 34.6 4.7 17.8 33.8 9.2 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 0.3 34.1 5.9 48.4 11.3 

 Certificate 0.2 58.0 6.6 28.3 6.9 

 Associate’s 41.8 6.5 16.4 28.6 6.8 

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year —— ———

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 0.4 39.5 2.1 47.4 10.6 

 Degree, no transfer 8.4 46.2 8.7 29.7 7.1 

 Degree, transfer —— ———

 No degree, transfer —— ———

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 1.2 54.2 6.9 30.7 7.0 

 Associate’s applied fields 34.6 4.7 17.8 33.8 9.2 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain —— ———

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 6.3 50.9 4.8 30.6 7.5 

 Degree or certificate 20.0 29.1 11.6 31.1 8.2 

 Transfer to 4-year —— ———

 Other 11.3 35.0 5.1 40.4 8.2 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None † † 17.6 72.0 10.4 

 Certificate 2.2 89.2 2.7 † 5.9 

 Associate’s degree 99.0 † 1.0 † †

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

91
Table 3.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit 

Table 3.3b—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention 

Table 3.3b—and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 8.0 44.1 9.1 31.4 7.4 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 1.5 43.6 4.0 47.2 3.7 

 12–24 months 13.6 49.6 11.7 11.8 13.3 

 25 months or more 29.1 25.7 32.6 3.7 8.9 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 8.9 42.0 8.5 34.0 6.6 

 Mixed 7.9 51.8 13.3 11.2 15.8 

 Always part-time 0.7 49.4 7.8 41.1 1.1 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.9 35.4 0.2 63.5 †

 1996–97 9.1 66.9 5.2 15.3 3.6 

 1997–98 17.0 27.7 26.9 5.5 23.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 8.3 46.3 10.2 35.2 †

 Transferred 5.6 26.2 0.0 0.0 68.2 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 8.3 46.3 10.2 35.2 0.0 

 Downward transfer —— ———

 Upward or lateral transfer 6.1 28.4 0.0 0.0 65.5 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 9.3 48.4 4.3 36.8 1.2 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.6 19.7 36.5 0.0 43.2 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Private for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

92
Table 3.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit 

Table 3.3c—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention 

Table 3.3c—and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic 

Table 3.3c—characteristics

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 8.0 44.1 9.1 31.4 7.4 

Gender

 Male 13.0 39.9 7.7 34.5 5.0 

 Female 5.9 45.1 9.9 30.4 8.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 16.7 27.6 14.4 33.4 7.9 

 19 years 8.3 49.4 9.7 25.2 7.5 

 20–23 years 4.0 50.6 8.9 29.2 7.3 

 24–29 years 6.0 43.2 6.4 35.0 9.5 

 30 or older 4.9 51.9 5.8 32.9 4.5 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 10.5 44.7 6.8 29.9 8.1 

 Black, non-Hispanic 4.8 36.8 9.0 37.5 12.0 

 Hispanic 6.7 50.6 11.2 28.8 2.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 2.0 44.3 11.5 38.5 3.7 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —— ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 12.7 43.9 9.3 27.1 7.0 

 Single, no children (independent) 5.7 59.5 6.8 20.3 7.7 

 Single with children 5.8 39.1 9.5 36.2 9.3 

 Married 3.4 42.6 6.9 42.0 5.0 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 8.0 47.8 7.9 29.5 6.8 

 Some postsecondary 10.7 45.5 11.7 25.4 6.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 7.3 35.7 7.0 34.7 15.3 

 Advanced degree 13.4 32.8 9.1 26.0 18.9 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 5.0 49.8 6.6 32.2 6.4 

 Student working to meet expenses 18.3 40.1 9.4 22.2 10.0 

 Employee who is enrolled 6.6 38.1 8.2 41.9 5.1 

Attained at Retention at the first institution

the first institution

Private for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

_______

93
Table 3.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit 

Table 3.3c—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention 

Table 3.3c—and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic 

Table 3.3c—characteristics—Continued

 No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 7.6 44.3 11.7 29.7 6.8 

 $25,000–44,999 17.4 47.0 5.6 21.9 8.1 

 $45,000–69,999 19.3 38.4 5.4 31.5 5.4 

 $70,000 or greater 17.8 39.6 13.0 22.4 7.2 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 7.0 40.1 10.1 32.6 10.2 

 $6,000–14,999 4.2 45.4 7.1 33.0 10.3 

 $15,000–24,999 2.1 49.2 7.3 36.1 5.3 

 $25,000 or greater 7.9 43.8 7.1 39.7 1.6 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

the first institution

Attained at Retention at the first institution

_______

94
Table 3.3d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit 

Table 3.3d—less-than-4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention 

Table 3.3d—and transfer status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors 

Table 3.3d—when they first enrolled

No degree,

 Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 8.0 44.1 9.1 31.4 7.4 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 17.5 37.3 14.6 27.5 3.2 

 One 10.2 44.6 6.0 28.4 10.8 

 Two or three 5.7 49.0 5.7 31.6 7.9 

 Four or more 4.5 41.7 10.2 36.6 7.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 9.9 44.3 8.9 29.5 7.4 

 GED/high school equivalent2 4.8 40.9 12.8 32.7 8.8 

 None2 0.0 42.1 5.5 46.2 6.3 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 16.3 30.8 15.1 28.7 9.2 

 Delayed2 5.5 49.1 6.9 31.2 7.2 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 8.4 43.1 9.3 31.3 8.0 

 Part-time2 5.6 50.3 8.0 31.8 4.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 12.7 43.9 9.3 27.1 7.0 

 Independent2 5.1 44.1 8.2 35.0 7.7 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 10.1 45.9 8.6 28.0 7.3 

 One or more2 4.1 42.7 8.3 37.5 7.4 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 8.5 46.8 8.1 30.1 6.6 

 Single parent 5.8 39.1 9.5 36.2 9.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 5.0 49.8 6.6 32.2 6.4 

 Worked part time 13.6 42.9 9.5 27.0 7.1 

 Worked full time2 10.6 37.3 9.3 34.8 7.9 

1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attained at

the first institution

_______

95
Table 3.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4a—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4a—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type, first degree program, and

Table 3.4a—academic preparation

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.7 1.5 0.9 63.5 12.9 20.4 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

 Private, for-profit 3.2 10.7 4.8 28.5 27.4 25.4 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 0.9 0.7 0.7 69.2 10.5 18.0 

 Non-doctorate-granting 0.6 2.5 1.0 56.9 15.7 23.2 

Control of first institution

 Public 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

 Private, for-profit 3.2 10.7 4.8 28.5 27.4 25.4 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 0.0 8.9 7.5 42.3 24.4 16.9 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 14.0 4.2 27.9 37.2 16.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.8 0.6 0.5 66.1 11.3 20.7 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 0.0 0.1 0.4 20.7 23.9 54.8 

 Certificate 0.0 8.7 13.4 28.6 31.9 17.5 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 16.0 5.2 33.2 33.2 12.5 

 Bachelor’s degree 1.0 1.2 0.7 67.8 10.7 18.7 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 66.2 13.5 20.3 

 Certificate 5.1 4.0 52.3 2.5 † 36.2 

 Associate’s degree 4.0 72.8 † 8.0 † 15.3 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 0.5 1.1 0.5 62.7 11.8 23.4 

 Met curriculum threshold 0.6 0.8 0.6 73.8 6.9 17.3 

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

4-year institutions

_______

96
Table 3.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4a—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4a—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type, first degree program, and

Table 3.4a—academic preparation—Continued

 No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 0.7 1.9 1.1 58.0 14.9 23.3 

 One 1.4 0.5 1.0 73.8 7.0 16.3 

 More than one 1.1 0.4 0.4 79.9 5.3 12.9 

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 0.4 1.7 0.9 48.3 19.5 29.3 

 B+ to A- 0.6 0.8 1.1 66.1 10.0 21.5 

 Mostly As 0.7 0.7 0.2 78.5 4.4 15.6 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 0.7 1.4 1.6 48.8 18.7 28.8 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 0.5 1.1 0.6 63.3 11.2 23.4 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 0.8 0.7 0.3 76.3 7.3 14.6 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

_______

97
Table 3.4b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4b—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4b—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.7 1.5 0.9 63.5 12.9 20.4 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.0 0.8 1.5 13.5 74.7 9.6 

 12–24 months 2.0 3.4 2.1 29.1 28.4 35.0 

 25 months or more 0.6 1.2 0.5 77.5 1.6 18.7 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 0.8 1.7 0.6 67.4 12.2 17.5 

 Mixed 0.8 0.9 1.6 55.0 9.5 32.3 

 Always part-time 0.0 1.5 3.6 31.8 51.1 12.1 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.0 1.0 1.5 1.3 94.5 1.8 

 1996–97 3.6 4.9 3.7 15.1 49.0 23.7 

 1997–98 0.5 1.2 0.5 73.9 2.2 21.7 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 0.9 1.8 1.1 79.8 16.4 †

 Transferred 0.1 0.4 0.0 3.2 0.0 96.2 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 0.9 1.8 1.1 79.8 16.4 †

 Downward transfer 0.0 0.1 0.0 4.8 0.0 95.1 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.2 0.7 0.0 2.1 0.0 97.0 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 0.8 1.7 1.0 65.3 14.7 16.4 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 0.1 0.0 51.0 0.0 48.8 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

4-year institutions

_______

98
Table 3.4c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4c—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4c—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 

 Total 0.7 1.5 0.9 63.5 12.9 20.4 

Gender

 Male 0.9 1.5 1.3 62.1 15.3 18.9 

 Female 0.6 1.6 0.5 64.6 11.1 21.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 0.3 1.2 0.5 66.9 10.1 21.0 

 19 years 1.7 1.8 0.3 59.9 14.2 22.1 

 20–23 years 5.4 2.0 4.7 38.5 29.0 20.4 

 24–29 years 0.0 9.2 3.1 47.3 31.2 9.2 

 30 or older 1.2 3.3 3.6 43.2 43.0 5.7 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 0.6 1.5 0.8 64.7 12.9 19.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 0.0 0.6 1.7 56.6 17.0 24.1 

 Hispanic 2.3 1.9 0.7 58.9 13.9 22.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 0.3 0.7 0.3 73.2 7.2 18.3 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.0 5.3 0.0 71.1 9.1 14.5 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 0.8 1.3 0.7 65.4 10.8 21.2 

 Single, no children (independent) 1.8 4.8 2.0 55.4 20.6 15.4 

 Single with children 0.0 2.9 4.0 44.6 37.4 11.0 

 Married 0.0 2.9 2.9 42.3 43.5 8.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 1.1 1.9 1.1 55.7 19.6 20.7 

 Some postsecondary 0.7 2.7 1.3 56.1 16.2 23.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.5 1.2 0.6 66.7 9.3 21.8 

 Advanced degree 0.7 0.6 0.7 74.6 6.4 17.1 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 0.6 1.8 0.9 68.0 9.4 19.4 

 Student working to meet expenses 1.2 1.7 0.8 62.6 12.2 21.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 0.6 1.9 2.7 45.9 33.0 15.9 

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

4-year institutions

_______

99
Table 3.4c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4c—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4c—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics—Continued

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 1.3 1.8 0.7 60.2 13.7 22.4 

 $25,000–44,999 0.7 1.1 1.1 62.3 14.1 20.8 

 $45,000–69,999 0.8 1.4 0.3 67.3 9.0 21.2 

 $70,000 or greater 0.4 0.9 0.8 69.5 8.0 20.5 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 0.0 2.4 1.6 45.1 35.5 15.4 

 $6,000–14,999 1.2 6.8 3.0 43.8 32.3 12.9 

 $15,000–24,999 0.0 3.7 1.1 47.5 30.4 17.3 

 $25,000 or greater 1.6 2.8 5.6 42.7 42.3 5.0 

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained at the first institution

Retention at the first institution

_______

100
Table 3.4d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions 

Table 3.4d—according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status at first 

Table 3.4d—institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 0.7 1.5 0.9 63.5 12.9 20.4 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 0.5 1.2 0.4 68.7 8.7 20.5 

 One 2.4 1.4 1.5 55.8 15.8 23.1 

 Two or three 0.9 3.3 3.3 39.2 30.8 22.6 

 Four or more 0.0 2.9 3.8 43.6 41.8 8.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 0.8 1.4 0.8 64.0 12.7 20.4 

 GED/high school equivalent2 0.0 7.6 3.8 39.6 26.7 22.3 

 None2 ——— ———

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 0.2 1.2 0.4 67.1 10.0 21.1 

 Delayed2 3.2 2.9 2.8 48.5 25.3 17.4 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full time 0.8 1.5 0.6 65.3 11.5 20.3 

 Part time2 0.6 1.4 3.2 47.4 25.7 21.8 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 0.8 1.3 0.7 65.4 10.8 21.2 

 Independent2 0.7 3.8 3.0 45.0 35.1 12.4 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 0.8 1.4 0.8 64.7 11.5 20.8 

 One or more2 0.0 1.8 3.1 43.7 41.9 9.5 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 0.8 1.4 0.8 64.3 12.1 20.6 

 Single parent 0.0 2.9 4.0 44.6 37.4 11.0 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 0.6 1.8 0.9 68.0 9.4 19.4 

 Worked part time 1.0 1.7 0.8 63.5 11.6 21.5 

 Worked full time2 0.9 1.5 2.3 47.9 29.7 17.7 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate. 1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

4-year institutions

_______

101
Table 3.5a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year 

Table 3.5a—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.5a—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type, first degree program, 

Table 3.5a—and academic preparation

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 0.8 0.5 0.6 69.6 11.2 17.3 

 Non-doctorate-granting 0.7 2.5 0.8 55.1 17.0 23.9 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 0.0 9.3 4.7 40.9 28.1 17.0 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 12.9 5.5 32.6 33.3 15.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.8 0.4 0.3 66.8 11.8 19.8 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 0.0 0.0 0.1 26.5 21.5 51.9 

 Certificate 0.0 11.3 7.0 32.5 36.2 13.0 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 16.0 7.9 36.0 31.9 8.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 1.0 0.9 0.5 67.2 11.4 19.1 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 66.8 13.8 19.4 

 Certificate 1.4 5.6 46.0 4.4 † 42.7 

 Associate’s degree 7.1 66.1 † 12.7 † 14.1 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 0.4 0.8 0.6 63.0 12.7 22.4 

 Met curriculum threshold 0.8 0.8 0.4 74.3 6.7 17.0 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 0.6 1.2 1.0 58.8 15.1 23.3 

 One 1.1 0.5 0.2 75.9 6.5 15.8 

 More than one 1.9 0.6 0.4 78.9 6.8 11.5 

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 0.3 1.1 1.2 48.7 21.1 27.8 

 B+ to A- 0.6 0.7 0.5 66.3 10.3 21.6 

 Mostly As 0.6 0.7 0.1 79.8 4.3 14.5 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 0.4 1.2 1.2 49.1 19.8 28.3 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 0.4 0.7 0.6 64.3 11.9 22.2 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 1.0 0.8 0.3 76.9 8.7 12.3 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Public 4-year institutions

_______

102
Table 3.5b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year 

Table 3.5b—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.5b—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.0 0.9 0.5 16.2 72.7 9.8 

 12–24 months 2.0 2.9 2.0 31.0 28.5 33.7 

 25 months or more 0.6 0.9 0.5 78.7 1.6 17.8 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 0.7 1.4 0.3 68.1 12.5 17.0 

 Mixed 1.0 0.8 2.0 56.3 10.1 29.7 

 Always part-time 0.0 0.4 1.2 39.6 46.8 12.1 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.0 1.2 0.6 2.0 95.7 0.6 

 1996–97 3.7 5.1 3.4 19.7 49.0 19.0 

 1997–98 0.5 0.8 0.4 74.8 2.2 21.3 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 0.9 1.4 0.9 80.2 16.6 †

 Transferred 0.2 0.7 0.0 3.2 0.0 95.9 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 0.9 1.4 0.9 80.2 16.6 †

 Downward transfer 0.0 0.2 0.1 4.4 0.0 95.4 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.3 1.2 0.0 2.1 0.0 96.4 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 0.9 1.4 0.8 66.1 15.3 15.5 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.1 0.2 0.0 54.3 0.0 45.5 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Public 4-year institutions

_______

103
Table 3.5c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year 

Table 3.5c—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.5c—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

Gender

 Male 1.2 1.0 1.1 63.3 15.0 18.4 

 Female 0.4 1.4 0.4 65.3 11.9 20.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 0.3 1.0 0.5 66.8 10.7 20.7 

 19 years 2.0 1.6 0.5 62.9 14.1 18.9 

 20–23 years 5.7 2.7 3.5 43.6 29.6 14.9 

 24–29 years 0.0 0.7 0.0 50.7 33.2 15.4 

 30 or older 0.0 4.4 1.5 57.3 34.9 1.9 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 0.6 1.2 0.7 65.3 13.8 18.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 0.0 0.5 0.5 58.0 18.3 22.7 

 Hispanic 3.0 1.4 0.2 60.5 9.6 25.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 0.5 0.4 0.3 73.9 7.4 17.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——— ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 0.8 1.1 0.7 65.6 11.5 20.3 

 Single, no children (independent) 0.0 1.0 0.5 66.4 18.9 13.3 

 Single with children 0.0 0.6 1.1 53.4 32.1 12.8 

 Married 0.0 3.6 0.7 50.1 38.4 7.2 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 1.0 1.8 1.0 57.5 18.6 20.2 

 Some postsecondary 1.0 2.2 1.1 55.5 17.5 22.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.5 0.9 0.6 67.0 10.0 21.1 

 Advanced degree 0.5 0.5 0.3 77.1 5.7 15.9 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 0.7 1.5 0.6 68.8 8.9 19.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 1.2 1.4 0.9 61.2 13.5 21.8 

 Employee who is enrolled 0.0 1.6 1.8 50.3 32.0 14.3 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 1.7 1.7 1.1 61.3 13.9 20.3 

 $25,000–44,999 1.0 0.8 0.8 62.7 14.4 20.4 

 $45,000–69,999 0.6 1.2 0.4 66.1 9.8 21.9 

 $70,000 or greater 0.2 0.6 0.7 70.4 9.3 18.8 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 0.0 0.7 0.8 49.4 35.3 13.9 

 $6,000–14,999 0.0 1.6 1.1 52.2 29.0 16.0 

 $15,000–24,999 0.0 2.3 0.0 56.1 23.8 17.8 

 $25,000 or greater 0.0 3.4 0.9 52.9 40.1 2.8 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Public 4-year institutions

_______

104
Table 3.5d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year 

Table 3.5d—institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer status 

Table 3.5d—at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by persistence risk factors when they first 

Table 3.5d—enrolled

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 0.8 1.3 0.7 64.5 13.2 19.6 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 0.4 1.1 0.3 69.3 9.1 19.8 

 One 3.0 0.9 1.5 57.6 16.9 20.2 

 Two or three 0.0 1.6 3.3 39.1 30.6 25.4 

 Four or more 0.0 2.4 1.1 53.2 36.6 6.8 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 0.8 1.1 0.7 64.9 13.1 19.4 

 GED/high school equivalent2 0.0 9.8 2.9 36.2 24.7 26.4 

 None2 ——— ———

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 0.2 1.0 0.5 67.1 10.6 20.6 

 Delayed2 3.2 2.2 1.5 54.2 24.3 14.6 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 0.8 1.3 0.4 66.2 12.1 19.3 

 Part-time2 0.8 1.3 3.0 50.9 22.0 22.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 0.8 1.1 0.7 65.6 11.5 20.3 

 Independent2 0.0 2.1 0.8 53.0 32.3 11.9 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 0.8 1.1 0.7 65.4 12.0 20.0 

 One or more2 0.0 0.7 1.1 54.5 36.5 7.2 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 0.8 1.1 0.7 65.2 12.6 19.6 

 Single parent2 0.0 0.6 1.1 53.4 32.1 12.8 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 0.7 1.5 0.6 68.8 8.9 19.6 

 Worked part time 1.2 1.3 0.8 61.9 13.0 21.8 

 Worked full time2 0.0 1.3 1.5 51.9 29.2 16.1 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate. 1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Public 4-year institutions

_______

105
Table 3.6a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit

Table 3.6a—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer 

Table 3.6a—status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by first institution type, first degree 

Table 3.6a—program, and academic preparation

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 1.1 1.2 1.0 68.0 8.4 20.3 

 Non-doctorate-granting 0.4 2.0 1.1 60.2 13.9 22.5 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 0.0 7.6 12.4 45.1 18.1 16.8 

 Associate’s degree 0.0 15.7 2.0 19.9 45.3 17.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.7 0.9 0.8 65.5 10.1 22.1 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.9 28.1 61.0 

 Certificate ——— ———

 Associate’s degree 0.0 16.6 1.4 29.7 34.0 18.4 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.8 1.6 1.0 69.7 9.2 17.7 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 65.7 12.5 21.8 

 Certificate 11.5 2.1 60.8 † † 25.7 

 Associate’s degree † 82.5 † 2.5 † 15.1 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 0.7 1.5 0.3 62.2 9.8 25.5 

 Met curriculum threshold 0.4 1.0 0.9 73.1 7.1 17.7 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 1.0 2.7 1.2 57.5 14.1 23.5 

 One 1.0 0.5 2.4 72.2 7.2 16.8 

 More than one 0.1 0.2 0.4 81.3 3.5 14.6 

Grade-point average in high school

 B or less 0.9 2.9 0.2 47.3 15.8 32.9 

 B+ to A- 0.5 1.0 1.8 66.0 9.5 21.3 

 Mostly As 0.9 0.8 0.2 76.4 4.4 17.2 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 1.5 2.0 2.4 48.5 16.5 29.3 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 0.6 1.8 0.6 61.4 9.6 26.0 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 0.6 0.5 0.3 75.6 5.5 17.4 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Private not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

106
Table 3.6b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit 

Table 3.6b—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer 

Table 3.6b—status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by attendance patterns

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 0.0 0.5 3.4 7.9 79.2 9.1 

 12–24 months 1.3 4.3 1.9 26.7 28.0 37.8 

 25 months or more 0.6 1.4 0.6 75.9 1.6 20.0 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 0.8 1.8 0.9 67.2 11.1 18.3 

 Mixed 0.2 1.2 0.4 53.1 8.2 36.8 

 Always part-time 0.0 4.1 9.2 15.9 58.9 11.9 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.0 0.7 3.5 0.0 91.8 4.1 

 1996–97 2.5 3.5 4.0 6.1 49.9 34.0 

 1997–98 0.5 1.6 0.6 73.1 2.2 22.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 0.8 2.2 1.3 80.2 15.4 †

 Transferred 0.0 0.0 0.1 3.5 0.0 96.5 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 0.8 2.2 1.3 80.2 15.4 †

 Downward transfer 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.7 0.0 94.3 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.1 0.0 97.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 0.7 1.9 1.2 65.1 13.3 17.8 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 0.0 0.2 43.2 0.0 56.7 

*Postsecondary education.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Private not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

107
Table 3.6c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit 

Table 3.6c—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer 

Table 3.6c—status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by demographic characteristics

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE* transferred

 Total 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

Gender

 Male 0.3 1.7 1.6 61.6 15.1 19.8 

 Female 0.9 1.7 0.6 64.0 9.5 23.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 0.3 1.4 0.5 67.7 8.8 21.3 

 19 years 1.3 2.1 0.0 55.4 13.4 27.9 

 20–23 years 5.3 0.0 4.7 30.0 27.5 32.5 

 24–29 years 0.0 17.1 7.8 43.4 30.4 1.4 

 30 or older 0.0 1.9 8.0 23.6 56.6 9.8 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 0.8 2.0 0.6 64.3 10.7 21.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 0.0 0.8 4.2 54.1 14.5 26.5 

 Hispanic 0.5 1.0 1.7 59.1 20.4 17.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 0.0 1.5 0.3 74.5 7.1 16.7 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——— ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 0.6 1.4 0.7 65.7 9.1 22.5 

 Single, no children (independent) 1.9 8.9 4.3 41.3 25.6 18.1 

 Single with children 0.0 8.0 7.7 33.4 41.1 9.8 

 Married 0.0 0.5 5.2 28.2 54.5 11.6 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 0.8 1.8 1.2 53.7 20.7 21.7 

 Some postsecondary 0.1 2.8 1.7 58.3 13.4 23.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 0.7 1.7 0.6 66.8 7.6 22.6 

 Advanced degree 0.9 0.8 0.9 71.7 7.3 18.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 0.5 2.1 1.7 66.6 10.4 18.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 1.1 1.8 0.4 66.3 9.2 21.3 

 Employee who is enrolled 0.0 2.2 4.7 39.6 34.8 18.7 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 0.5 1.4 0.1 60.5 12.1 25.5 

 $25,000–44,999 0.1 1.5 1.7 62.1 13.3 21.4 

 $45,000–69,999 1.2 1.9 0.0 69.6 7.5 19.9 

 $70,000 or greater 0.7 1.0 0.9 68.1 5.9 23.4 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 0.0 1.2 1.1 41.5 37.7 18.5 

 $6,000–14,999 3.7 18.2 3.0 30.9 36.3 7.8 

 $15,000–24,999 ——— ———

 $25,000 or greater 0.0 0.0 18.4 23.0 47.0 11.7 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Postsecondary education.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Private not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

108
Table 3.6d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit 

Table 3.6d—4-year institutions according to the highest degree attained and 3-year retention and transfer 

Table 3.6d—status at first institution attended, as of spring 1998, by retention risk factors when they first 

Table 3.6d—enrolled

No degree,

 Bachelor’s Associate’s still No degree, No degree,

 degree degree Certificate enrolled left PSE1 transferred

 Total 0.6 1.7 1.1 62.9 12.0 21.7 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 0.6 1.3 0.6 68.0 8.0 21.6 

 One 1.1 2.1 1.6 53.7 12.9 28.6 

 Two or three 1.0 4.6 2.0 41.1 32.4 18.9 

 Four or more 0.0 4.4 8.5 28.7 49.6 8.9 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 0.7 1.7 1.0 63.3 11.5 21.9 

 GED/high school equivalent2 0.0 2.1 3.6 50.3 28.0 16.0 

 None2 ——— ———

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 0.2 1.3 0.3 67.8 8.8 21.5 

 Delayed2 2.7 3.7 4.7 39.5 26.5 23.0 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 0.7 1.7 0.8 64.9 10.1 21.8 

 Part-time2 0.0 1.8 3.9 40.1 33.8 20.5 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 0.6 1.4 0.7 65.7 9.1 22.5 

 Independent2 0.8 5.5 5.4 34.6 40.0 13.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 0.7 1.6 0.9 64.6 10.2 22.0 

 One or more2 0.0 4.4 6.4 22.9 50.2 16.1 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 0.7 1.6 0.9 63.8 11.0 22.0 

 Single parent2 0.0 8.0 7.7 33.4 41.1 9.8 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 0.5 2.1 1.7 66.6 10.4 18.6 

 Worked part time 0.8 2.0 0.6 67.0 8.9 20.8 

 Worked full time2 1.7 1.0 3.1 43.2 30.0 21.0 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate. 1

Postsecondary education.

2

Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Retention at the first institution

Attained at the first institution

Private not-for-profit 4-year institutions

_______

109
Table 4.0a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to whether they

Table 4.0a—attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education,

Table 4.0a—by first institution type and first degree program

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 17.1 10.0 5.2 51.9 15.9 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

 Private, not-for-profit 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

 Private, for-profit 17.4 14.0 2.2 41.3 25.2 

 2-year

 Public 23.9 13.0 6.8 41.2 15.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 15.3 12.7 6.8 21.2 44.1 

 Private, for-profit 23.5 8.8 4.1 14.6 49.1 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 29.0 11.1 2.8 7.0 50.1 

 Private, for-profit 25.4 5.6 2.9 5.7 60.3 

Level of first institution

 4-year 7.1 7.3 4.0 77.3 4.3 

 2-year 23.7 12.7 6.6 38.9 18.1 

 Less-than-2-year 26.3 6.8 2.9 6.1 57.9 

Control of first institution

 Public 18.1 11.0 5.7 53.2 12.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 7.2 7.2 4.1 74.8 6.7 

 Private, for-profit 24.4 7.0 3.3 10.1 55.1 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 27.3 8.6 5.5 13.8 44.9 

 Associate’s degree 22.5 13.5 6.2 43.4 14.4 

 Bachelor’s degree 5.9 6.6 4.0 80.5 3.0 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 39.9 12.5 5.7 29.9 11.9 

 Certificate 26.7 7.4 2.3 9.9 53.7 

 Associate’s degree 17.9 15.4 7.9 38.1 20.7 

 Bachelor’s degree or

 transfer to 4-year 7.8 7.4 4.2 75.7 4.9 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 20.3 11.8 6.2 61.6 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

110
Table 4.0b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to whether they

Table 4.0b—attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education,

Table 4.0b—by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 17.1 10.0 5.2 51.9 15.9 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 63.6 11.1 1.9 4.0 19.5 

 12–24 months 0.5 29.1 13.4 32.4 24.6 

 25 months or more † † 3.0 87.3 9.7 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 13.7 8.3 3.3 56.4 18.4 

 Mixed 7.3 11.3 8.1 59.7 13.6 

 Always part-time 49.6 13.7 6.6 19.1 11.0 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 84.5 ††† 15.5 

 1996–97 † 63.7 † † 36.4 

 1997–98 † † 8.1 80.9 11.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 21.5 10.7 4.9 47.7 15.2 

 Transferred 1.2 7.3 6.3 66.9 18.3 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 21.5 10.7 4.9 47.7 15.2 

 Downward transfer 0.5 13.8 10.2 60.0 15.6 

 Upward or lateral transfer 1.4 5.6 5.2 68.8 19.0 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 20.4 9.7 3.4 49.9 16.7 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.1 11.4 14.8 61.9 11.8 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

111
Table 4.0c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to whether they

Table 4.0c—attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education,

Table 4.0c—by demographic characteristics

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 17.1 10.0 5.2 51.9 15.9 

Gender

 Male 18.0 9.6 4.7 53.6 14.1 

 Female 16.5 10.3 5.6 50.4 17.2 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 10.0 8.6 4.9 66.0 10.5 

 19 years 18.3 9.4 4.2 54.4 13.7 

 20–23 years 22.8 11.8 11.0 30.1 24.4 

 24–29 years 32.4 12.6 2.2 20.1 32.8 

 30 or older 36.4 13.5 4.9 19.0 26.2 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 16.9 10.0 4.6 52.9 15.6 

 Black, non-Hispanic 23.3 10.7 6.7 39.8 19.6 

 Hispanic 16.2 8.8 6.5 51.1 17.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 10.4 12.3 5.4 63.6 8.4 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 21.2 4.4 17.6 48.9 8.0 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 11.4 8.8 4.7 63.4 11.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 30.2 15.6 5.0 25.6 23.6 

 Single with children 27.1 8.2 11.4 22.6 30.7 

 Married 35.5 14.9 4.0 18.5 27.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 20.7 12.4 6.0 39.8 21.2 

 Some postsecondary 19.0 10.1 5.8 50.5 14.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 11.1 7.8 5.6 63.3 12.2 

 Advanced degree 7.5 6.8 2.7 78.3 4.7 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 13.5 9.3 3.9 54.7 18.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 11.4 11.0 5.0 58.9 13.7 

 Employee who is enrolled 34.9 10.3 8.7 26.4 19.8 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 15.1 9.9 4.8 54.6 15.6 

 $25,000–44,999 10.7 9.9 6.4 60.5 12.6 

 $45,000–69,999 14.1 8.8 4.2 62.4 10.4 

 $70,000 or greater 5.4 6.6 3.4 76.8 7.9 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 32.1 10.5 8.4 22.8 26.2 

 $6,000–14,999 34.0 9.3 4.5 23.6 28.7 

 $15,000–24,999 27.5 11.7 7.9 19.9 33.1 

 $25,000 or greater 38.4 15.3 6.1 20.0 20.2 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

112
Table 4.0d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to whether they

Table 4.0d—attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left postsecondary education,

Table 4.0d—by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 17.1 10.0 5.2 51.9 15.9 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 6.2 6.0 4.2 72.8 10.8 

 One 17.1 10.9 4.2 53.6 14.2 

 Two or three 27.8 13.6 7.4 29.5 21.7 

 Four or more 33.4 13.5 7.2 20.7 25.3 

High school diploma or 

 equivalency status

 High school diploma 16.2 9.8 5.0 54.8 14.3 

 GED/high school equivalent* 22.2 11.2 8.2 28.7 29.7 

 None* 36.8 13.6 4.5 14.6 30.5 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 9.9 8.4 4.8 66.4 10.5 

 Delayed* 28.1 12.4 5.9 29.7 24.0 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 12.3 9.2 5.0 56.6 16.9 

 Part-time* 29.7 11.6 5.7 39.7 13.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 11.4 8.8 4.7 63.4 11.7 

 Independent* 32.2 12.2 7.0 20.8 27.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 14.2 9.5 4.7 58.0 13.6 

 One or more* 30.7 12.1 8.3 20.6 28.3 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 15.7 10.1 4.7 55.2 14.4 

 Single parent* 27.1 8.2 11.4 22.6 30.7 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 13.5 9.3 3.9 54.7 18.6 

 Worked part time 12.0 8.4 5.0 58.8 15.8 

 Worked full time* 30.5 14.7 7.6 30.7 16.5 

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

113
Table 4.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year

Table 4.1a—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, 

Table 4.1a—the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type and first degree program

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 11.8 6.0 34.1 24.0 

Type of first institution

 2-year

 Public 23.9 13.0 6.8 41.2 15.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 15.3 12.7 6.8 21.2 44.1 

 Private, for-profit 23.5 8.8 4.1 14.6 49.1 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 29.0 11.1 2.8 7.0 50.1 

 Private, for-profit 25.4 5.6 2.9 5.7 60.3 

Level of first institution

 2-year 23.7 12.7 6.6 38.9 18.1 

 Less-than-2-year 26.3 6.8 2.9 6.1 57.9 

Control of first institution

 Public 24.1 12.9 6.6 40.0 16.4 

 Private, not-for-profit 18.5 13.0 6.0 20.1 42.3 

 Private, for-profit 24.7 6.7 3.3 8.8 56.4 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 27.9 8.5 5.5 12.0 46.1 

 Associate’s degree 22.4 13.3 6.3 44.0 14.1 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 42.5 11.9 5.1 26.6 14.0 

 Certificate 27.3 6.9 4.8 8.2 52.8 

 Associate’s degree 19.3 15.3 7.9 37.1 20.5 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 16.5 9.9 5.4 60.2 8.1 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 31.7 15.5 7.9 44.8 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 48.0 10.8 5.0 23.5 12.7 

 Degree, no transfer 24.0 12.7 6.0 21.3 36.1 

 Degree, transfer 16.5 12.0 6.9 46.6 18.0 

 No degree, transfer 18.1 9.4 7.1 56.7 8.8 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 27.9 8.5 5.5 12.0 46.1 

 Associate’s applied fields 22.0 14.1 6.2 38.2 19.5 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 22.9 12.5 6.3 49.7 8.7 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 32.2 10.3 4.9 15.4 37.2 

 Degree or certificate 17.6 21.7 5.5 31.6 23.7 

 Transfer to 4-year 12.4 8.9 7.9 56.1 14.7 

 Other 33.7 13.1 6.6 26.1 20.6 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

_______

114
Table 4.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year

Table 4.2a—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.2a—the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 11.8 6.0 34.1 24.0 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 62.0 10.4 1.6 3.8 22.3 

 12–24 months 0.7 26.3 13.8 29.7 29.6 

 25 months or more † † 4.2 75.1 20.7 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 23.0 10.4 3.3 26.7 36.6 

 Mixed 9.0 12.3 8.9 52.6 17.2 

 Always part-time 49.9 13.8 6.5 18.5 11.5 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 82.3 ††† 17.7 

 1996–97 † 57.6 † † 42.4 

 1997–98 † † 12.0 67.9 20.1 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 30.5 13.4 6.1 26.9 23.1 

 Transferred 1.7 6.3 5.7 59.4 26.9 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 30.5 13.4 6.1 26.9 23.1 

 Downward transfer 1.3 12.7 12.6 29.2 44.2 

 Upward or lateral transfer 1.7 5.9 5.2 61.5 25.7 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 29.7 12.0 3.5 28.9 26.0 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.1 11.0 17.0 56.4 15.4

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

115
Table 4.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year

Table 4.3a—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.3a—the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 11.8 6.0 34.1 24.0 

Gender

 Male 24.4 10.8 5.6 38.4 20.8 

 Female 23.9 12.7 6.4 30.6 26.4 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 16.8 11.6 6.1 45.3 20.3 

 19 years 23.4 9.9 4.2 44.9 17.7 

 20–23 years 24.4 10.6 12.4 25.5 27.2 

 24–29 years 33.8 12.7 1.8 16.7 35.0 

 30 or older 36.2 13.9 5.1 16.4 28.3 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 24.0 12.0 5.2 34.6 24.3 

 Black, non-Hispanic 31.9 9.9 7.1 23.6 27.5 

 Hispanic 19.9 10.5 8.4 38.4 22.9 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 19.4 23.8 3.5 37.9 15.3 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 28.9 3.8 23.5 34.7 9.1 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 18.0 11.2 5.5 45.0 20.3 

 Single, no children (independent) 34.3 16.7 5.5 16.7 26.9 

 Single with children 27.8 7.4 11.8 20.4 32.7 

 Married 35.1 15.5 3.9 15.7 29.9 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 24.8 12.6 6.4 28.8 27.4 

 Some postsecondary 25.0 10.2 6.5 38.2 20.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 17.9 10.4 7.0 43.4 21.3 

 Advanced degree 19.6 17.5 2.5 49.1 11.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 23.1 12.9 4.5 26.3 33.3 

 Student working to meet expenses 16.2 13.3 5.9 43.6 21.0 

 Employee who is enrolled 36.7 10.3 8.7 22.1 22.2 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 20.3 11.1 5.1 40.6 23.0 

 $25,000–44,999 13.6 11.7 7.4 47.5 19.7 

 $45,000–69,999 25.8 10.4 6.2 39.2 18.4 

 $70,000 or greater 9.4 11.7 2.4 57.9 18.6 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 34.1 9.2 8.7 18.6 29.4 

 $6,000–14,999 35.8 8.9 4.3 20.1 30.8 

 $15,000–24,999 28.1 12.0 7.9 16.0 36.0 

 $25,000 or greater 38.1 16.2 6.9 17.2 21.6 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

116
Table 4.1d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in less-than-4-year

Table 4.4a—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.4a—the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 11.8 6.0 34.1 24.0

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 11.4 7.3 5.3 47.6 28.5

 One 20.5 11.3 3.9 47.0 17.4

 Two or three 28.8 13.9 8.0 25.6 23.7

 Four or more 33.9 13.0 7.2 18.6 27.3

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 23.5 11.9 5.8 36.3 22.4

 GED/high school equivalent* 23.5 10.4 8.3 25.8 32.0

 None* 37.4 13.8 4.7 12.5 31.6

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 16.2 10.9 5.8 47.5 19.6

 Delayed* 31.0 12.5 6.3 22.6 27.6

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 19.4 11.8 6.1 32.4 30.5

 Part-time* 31.4 11.6 5.9 36.8 14.4

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 18.0 11.2 5.5 45.0 20.3

 Independent* 33.3 12.1 7.3 16.9 30.5

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 21.5 12.0 5.5 38.9 22.2

 One or more* 31.1 11.6 8.4 18.3 30.7

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 23.1 12.7 5.2 36.2 22.8

 Single parent* 27.8 7.4 11.8 20.4 32.7

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 23.1 12.9 4.5 26.3 33.3

 Worked part time 17.1 9.4 5.7 42.8 25.0

 Worked full time* 33.2 14.9 8.1 25.0 18.9

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

117
Table 4.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year

Table 4.1b—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the

Table 4.1b—year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type and first degree program

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 12.9 6.6 40.0 16.4 

Level of first institution

 2-year 23.9 13.0 6.8 41.2 15.2 

 Less-than-2-year 29.0 11.1 2.8 7.0 50.1 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 30.0 10.8 7.9 17.3 34.1 

 Associate’s degree 22.6 13.5 6.3 45.8 11.9 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 44.9 10.6 5.7 30.8 8.0 

 Certificate 30.0 9.0 6.7 11.1 43.2 

 Associate’s degree 19.6 16.1 8.0 39.5 16.9 

 Bachelor’s degree or

 transfer to 4-year 16.6 9.7 5.5 60.9 7.3 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 28.8 15.5 7.9 47.8 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 52.1 9.8 5.8 27.3 5.2 

 Degree, no transfer 24.2 15.7 6.9 27.5 25.7 

 Degree, transfer 16.5 12.2 7.0 47.4 16.9 

 No degree, transfer 18.2 9.0 7.3 57.5 8.0 

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 30.0 10.8 7.9 17.3 34.1 

 Associate’s applied fields 22.2 14.7 6.3 41.1 15.8 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 22.9 12.4 6.3 49.8 8.6 

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 38.1 11.8 6.4 20.8 22.9 

 Degree or certificate 16.2 24.6 5.5 36.1 17.7 

 Transfer to 4-year 12.4 8.9 8.0 56.6 14.1 

 Other 34.6 13.7 7.3 28.8 15.6 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

118
Table 4.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year

Table 4.2b—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the

Table 4.2b—year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 12.9 6.6 40.0 16.4 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 69.0 11.7 2.1 4.1 13.1 

 12–24 months 0.7 31.1 15.4 34.9 17.9 

 25 months or more 0.0 0.0 4.1 77.5 18.4 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 20.6 12.5 3.3 36.7 26.9 

 Mixed 9.5 12.6 9.3 55.7 12.9 

 Always part-time 51.4 13.9 6.7 19.7 8.3 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 88.0 ††† 12.0 

 1996–97 † 74.8 † † 25.2 

 1997–98 † † 12.0 72.2 15.8 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 31.3 15.0 6.8 32.7 14.2 

 Transferred 1.9 6.4 6.0 62.5 23.2 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 31.3 15.0 6.8 32.7 14.2 

 Downward transfer —————

 Upward or lateral transfer 1.9 5.9 5.4 64.9 22.0 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 30.0 13.2 3.8 35.0 18.0 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 11.7 17.9 60.4 10.0 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

119
Table 4.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year

Table 4.3b—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the

Table 4.3b—year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 12.9 6.6 40.0 16.4 

Gender

 Male 23.9 11.3 6.2 43.2 15.5 

 Female 24.3 14.5 7.0 37.0 17.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 15.8 12.2 6.4 48.6 17.0 

 19 years 24.5 10.1 4.6 51.6 9.2 

 20–23 years 25.6 12.8 15.5 33.7 12.4 

 24–29 years 36.5 13.9 1.2 20.8 27.6 

 30 or older 39.0 16.4 6.6 21.4 16.7 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 24.0 12.8 5.7 39.2 18.2 

 Black, non-Hispanic 33.2 10.9 8.1 28.8 19.0 

 Hispanic 19.6 12.0 10.5 48.7 9.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 16.7 28.0 3.9 47.1 4.4 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 17.9 11.7 6.0 49.2 15.2 

 Single, no children (independent) 41.2 20.2 6.5 20.2 11.9 

 Single with children 27.3 7.8 14.2 29.3 21.3 

 Married 34.8 18.2 4.7 18.9 23.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 25.3 14.2 7.4 35.1 18.0 

 Some postsecondary 26.0 11.1 6.0 43.4 13.4 

 Bachelor’s degree 16.7 10.9 7.8 46.9 17.7 

 Advanced degree 20.1 18.1 2.2 51.5 8.1 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 23.2 14.2 5.2 36.5 20.9 

 Student working to meet expenses 16.0 14.5 6.4 48.1 15.0 

 Employee who is enrolled 37.3 10.9 9.4 24.2 18.1 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 20.0 12.0 5.4 46.4 16.2 

 $25,000–44,999 13.4 12.4 8.3 52.5 13.4 

 $45,000–69,999 26.4 10.4 6.4 41.0 15.9 

 $70,000 or greater 9.2 12.1 2.6 60.8 15.3 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 37.2 11.4 9.3 27.6 14.5 

 $6,000–14,999 40.9 9.2 4.8 25.8 19.3 

 $15,000–24,999 28.8 12.2 9.2 18.2 31.6 

 $25,000 or greater 39.7 20.0 8.5 21.6 10.3 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

120
Table 4.2d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public less-than-4-year

Table 4.4b—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the

Table 4.4b—year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.1 12.9 6.6 40.0 16.4 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 10.6 7.2 5.5 52.1 24.7 

 One 20.0 12.4 4.2 53.9 9.5 

 Two or three 29.6 15.9 9.7 30.5 14.3 

 Four or more 35.8 14.6 7.6 23.1 19.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 23.8 12.8 6.4 41.4 15.6 

 GED/high school equivalent* 22.7 11.9 8.9 33.8 22.7 

 None* 34.6 18.3 6.6 19.7 20.8 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 15.8 11.3 6.0 51.3 15.6 

 Delayed* 33.1 14.5 7.3 28.2 17.0 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 17.3 13.8 7.0 41.0 20.9 

 Part-time* 32.1 11.7 6.0 38.9 11.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 17.9 11.7 6.0 49.2 15.2 

 Independent* 35.4 14.2 8.5 21.6 20.3 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 21.6 12.9 6.0 43.9 15.6 

 One or more* 31.4 13.5 9.7 24.3 21.1 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 23.1 13.7 5.8 41.3 16.2 

 Single parent* 27.3 7.8 14.2 29.3 21.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 23.2 14.2 5.2 36.5 20.9 

 Worked part time 16.6 10.2 6.1 48.0 19.1 

 Worked full time* 34.0 15.9 8.9 27.1 14.2 

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

121
Table 4.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit lessTable 4.1c—than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did

Table 4.1c—not attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type and first degree

Table 4.1c—program

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.7 6.7 3.3 8.8 56.4 

Level of first institution

 2-year 23.5 8.8 4.1 14.6 49.1 

 Less-than-2-year 25.4 5.6 2.9 5.7 60.3 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 25.5 5.8 2.6 5.9 60.3 

 Associate’s degree 21.9 10.5 6.0 20.1 41.6 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 33.6 16.3 3.0 10.1 37.0 

 Certificate 24.6 4.4 2.7 4.8 63.5 

 Associate’s degree 18.3 6.8 7.1 16.7 51.2 

 Bachelor’s degree or

 transfer to 4-year —————

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 56.8 15.4 7.7 20.2 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer 33.6 13.0 2.5 9.6 41.4 

 Degree, no transfer 23.9 5.8 3.8 7.0 59.6 

 Degree, transfer —————

 No degree, transfer —————

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 25.5 5.8 2.6 5.9 60.3 

 Associate’s applied fields 21.9 10.5 6.0 20.1 41.6 

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain —————

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 22.8 7.5 2.4 6.5 60.8 

 Degree or certificate 26.0 6.1 5.6 5.6 56.7 

 Transfer to 4-year —————

 Other 32.0 9.0 1.5 10.0 47.4 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

122
Table 4.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit lessTable 4.2c—than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

Table 4.2c—attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.7 6.7 3.3 8.8 56.4

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 43.0 6.1 0.3 2.6 48.1

 12–24 months 0.5 9.3 8.3 11.1 70.8

 25 months or more † † 4.2 41.0 54.8

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 28.1 6.1 3.2 7.9 54.8

 Mixed 3.4 8.0 4.2 16.7 67.7

 Always part-time 30.3 10.1 3.3 3.5 52.7

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 63.8 ††† 36.2

 1996–97 † 19.6 † † 80.4

 1997–98 † † 12.4 32.7 55.0

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 27.8 6.9 3.3 5.9 56.2

 Transferred 0.0 5.4 3.5 32.6 58.5

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 27.8 6.9 3.3 5.9 56.2

 Downward transfer —————

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.0 5.9 3.8 33.2 57.1

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 29.1 6.7 1.8 4.3 58.2

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 7.0 12.0 34.4 46.6

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

123
Table 4.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit lessTable 4.3c—than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

Table 4.3c—attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.7 6.7 3.3 8.8 56.4

Gender

 Male 29.2 7.1 1.0 7.3 55.5

 Female 23.1 6.6 4.5 9.6 56.2

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 26.9 6.1 3.1 17.2 46.7

 19 years 17.9 8.2 2.2 12.4 59.3

 20–23 years 22.4 5.9 6.0 8.4 57.3

 24–29 years 25.5 8.5 3.7 4.5 57.7

 30 or older 28.4 6.2 1.3 2.1 62.0

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 24.2 6.8 1.9 8.2 59.0

 Black, non-Hispanic 28.9 7.3 4.6 10.1 49.2

 Hispanic 20.8 6.0 2.7 10.2 60.4

 Asian/Pacific Islander 33.4 9.9 1.1 3.1 52.6

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 19.3 6.7 1.6 13.3 59.1

 Single, no children (independent) 14.3 7.4 2.7 6.1 69.6

 Single with children 28.7 6.4 7.4 4.2 53.3

 Married 36.8 6.9 1.9 5.7 48.7

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 23.0 6.2 2.9 7.0 61.0

 Some postsecondary 20.8 4.5 8.9 7.2 58.6

 Bachelor’s degree 28.4 7.6 0.6 16.4 47.1

 Advanced degree 15.9 10.0 6.2 13.7 54.2

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 23.7 9.6 2.7 5.9 58.1

 Student working to meet expenses 18.0 4.1 2.2 13.5 62.2

 Employee who is enrolled 33.2 7.0 4.3 7.8 47.7

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 22.1 6.1 2.7 14.6 54.6

 $25,000–44,999 16.4 5.5 0.0 10.0 68.2

 $45,000–69,999 18.1 11.5 2.0 10.8 57.7

 $70,000 or greater 14.6 7.8 0.0 20.3 57.4

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 28.3 5.8 8.1 4.1 53.7

 $6,000–14,999 25.6 7.8 3.0 7.7 56.0

 $15,000–24,999 26.1 10.8 2.2 4.2 56.8

 $25,000 or greater 33.9 4.4 2.8 4.2 54.7

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

124
Table 4.3d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, for-profit lessTable 4.4c—than-4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not

Table 4.4c—attain, the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first

Table 4.4c—enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 24.7 6.7 3.3 8.8 56.4

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 18.8 6.9 2.5 16.4 55.4

 One 23.2 4.9 2.2 9.2 60.5

 Two or three 25.9 6.8 1.8 7.9 57.6

 Four or more 28.4 7.8 6.4 4.1 53.4

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 22.7 6.8 2.7 10.5 57.3

 GED/high school equivalent* 25.2 6.8 7.3 6.4 54.4

 None* 41.7 6.9 1.6 1.3 48.6

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 20.6 7.2 3.4 18.0 50.9

 Delayed* 25.1 6.3 3.5 5.8 59.3

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 25.4 6.0 3.3 9.2 56.1

 Part-time* 20.8 10.9 3.3 6.4 58.6

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 19.3 6.7 1.6 13.3 59.1

 Independent* 28.5 6.9 4.6 5.2 54.8

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 21.2 6.8 1.9 10.7 59.5

 One or more* 30.6 6.8 5.8 4.0 52.8

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 23.5 6.9 1.9 9.5 58.2

 Single parent* 28.7 6.4 7.4 4.2 53.3

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 23.7 9.6 2.7 5.9 58.1

 Worked part time 21.6 4.0 3.0 12.0 59.5

 Worked full time* 27.0 8.1 2.8 10.2 52.0

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, for-profit less-than-4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

125
Table 4.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions

Table 4.1d—according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they

Table 4.1d—left postsecondary education, by first institution type, first degree program, and academic 

Table 4.1d—preparation

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.1 7.3 4.0 77.3 4.3 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

 Private, not-for-profit 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

 Private, for-profit 17.4 14.0 2.2 41.3 25.2 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 5.7 6.4 3.3 81.2 3.4 

 Non-doctorate-granting 8.6 8.3 4.9 72.9 5.3 

Control of first institution

 Public 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

 Private, not-for-profit 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

 Private, for-profit 17.4 14.0 2.2 41.3 25.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 14.4 9.5 5.8 53.1 17.1 

 Associate’s degree 24.4 18.2 4.5 31.8 21.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 5.9 6.6 4.0 80.5 3.0 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 23.8 13.4 7.3 50.1 5.5 

 Certificate 19.6 11.2 5.4 39.0 24.8 

 Associate’s degree 20.7 14.7 3.9 38.1 22.6 

 Bachelor’s degree 4.8 6.6 3.8 81.1 3.8 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 7.4 7.6 4.2 80.8 0.0 

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 5.6 8.2 4.7 78.0 3.5 

 Met curriculum threshold 3.3 3.3 3.3 87.5 2.6 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 7.7 9.0 4.5 74.1 4.7 

 One 3.0 4.9 3.6 84.1 4.4 

 More than one 1.8 3.1 2.8 89.2 3.2 

Grade point average in high school

 B or less 9.4 12.8 7.4 66.2 4.2 

 B+ to A- 4.7 6.5 5.1 80.4 3.3 

 Mostly As 2.0 2.7 1.6 91.1 2.6 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 11.4 11.2 5.0 66.2 6.1 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 4.8 8.1 5.1 78.8 3.2 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 4.1 3.0 2.4 88.2 2.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

Students who began in 4-year institutions

_______

126
Table 4.4b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions

Table 4.2d—according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

Table 4.2d—postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.1 7.3 4.0 77.3 4.3 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 72.7 15.3 3.3 5.4 3.3 

 12–24 months 0.2 36.3 12.4 39.9 11.2 

 25 months or more † † 2.3 94.7 2.9 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 6.3 6.6 3.2 79.8 4.0 

 Mixed 3.1 8.8 6.4 77.0 4.8 

 Always part-time 47.5 13.6 7.4 24.9 6.7 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 97.4 ††† 2.6 

 1996–97 † 84.3 † † 15.7 

 1997–98 † † 4.8 92.0 3.3 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 8.8 6.9 3.2 77.0 4.0 

 Transferred 0.6 8.8 7.1 78.3 5.2 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 8.8 6.9 3.2 77.0 4.0 

 Downward transfer 0.3 14.1 9.6 67.0 9.0 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.8 4.7 5.1 87.1 2.3 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 8.1 6.6 3.2 77.8 4.3 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 12.3 9.9 74.0 3.8 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

127
Table 4.4c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions

Table 4.3d—according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

Table 4.3d—postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.1 7.3 4.0 77.3 4.3 

Gender

 Male 8.6 7.8 3.5 75.6 4.5 

 Female 5.8 6.9 4.5 78.6 4.2 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 4.7 6.4 3.9 82.1 3.0 

 19 years 8.4 8.5 4.2 73.1 5.9 

 20–23 years 17.1 15.9 6.0 46.6 14.4 

 24–29 years 19.7 11.7 5.7 50.4 12.4 

 30 or older 38.2 9.5 3.2 40.3 8.9 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 7.3 7.4 3.8 77.6 3.9 

 Black, non-Hispanic 6.6 12.1 6.0 71.0 4.4 

 Hispanic 9.4 5.6 2.9 75.3 6.8 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 2.3 2.0 7.1 86.5 2.2 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 3.9 5.8 4.2 80.8 5.3 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 5.4 6.7 4.0 80.2 3.8 

 Single, no children (independent) 10.9 10.6 2.8 67.1 8.6 

 Single with children 20.9 16.4 7.9 44.6 10.2 

 Married 38.8 11.0 4.7 38.0 7.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 10.4 11.9 4.9 67.3 5.5 

 Some postsecondary 9.0 9.9 4.6 70.6 5.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 4.6 5.4 4.2 82.2 3.6 

 Advanced degree 3.3 3.0 2.8 88.5 2.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 4.2 5.8 3.4 82.0 4.5 

 Student working to meet expenses 5.5 8.2 3.9 77.7 4.8 

 Employee who is enrolled 25.2 9.7 8.5 49.6 7.0 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 8.1 8.4 4.6 73.3 5.6 

 $25,000–44,999 7.3 7.7 5.3 75.7 4.2 

 $45,000–69,999 3.8 7.5 2.5 82.9 3.4 

 $70,000 or greater 3.5 4.2 3.8 85.8 2.8 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 20.2 18.4 6.6 48.0 6.8 

 $6,000–14,999 18.1 12.6 6.0 52.4 11.0 

 $15,000–24,999 22.0 8.5 7.5 55.4 6.6 

 $25,000 or greater 39.9 9.8 1.1 38.0 11.3 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

128
Table 4.4d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in 4-year institutions

Table 4.4d—according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain, the year they left

Table 4.4d—postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.1 7.3 4.0 77.3 4.3 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 3.9 5.4 3.8 83.9 3.0 

 One 9.9 10.2 4.6 68.0 7.3 

 Two or three 21.6 11.5 4.0 53.5 9.4 

 Four or more 29.3 17.4 6.9 38.5 8.0 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 7.0 7.1 4.0 77.8 4.1 

 GED/high school equivalent* 12.3 17.8 7.0 51.0 12.0 

 None* —————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 4.6 6.3 4.0 82.3 2.8 

 Delayed* 17.5 11.9 4.2 55.8 10.6 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 5.7 6.8 4.0 79.6 4.0 

 Part-time* 19.9 11.4 4.6 56.9 7.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 5.4 6.7 4.0 80.2 3.8 

 Independent* 25.1 12.8 5.0 48.1 9.1 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 6.1 6.7 3.9 79.2 4.1 

 One or more* 27.8 16.5 7.4 41.2 7.1 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 6.6 6.9 3.9 78.4 4.1 

 Single parent* 20.9 16.4 7.9 44.6 10.2 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 4.2 5.8 3.4 82.0 4.5 

 Worked part time 5.8 7.1 4.2 78.4 4.5 

 Worked full time* 19.1 13.9 5.5 55.6 6.1 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

129
Table 4.5a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year

Table 4.1e—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.1e—the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type, first degree program, and 

Table 4.1e—academic preparation

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 6.0 7.1 3.6 80.3 3.1 

 Non-doctorate-granting 9.6 8.3 5.1 71.7 5.3 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 15.3 13.6 6.5 49.6 15.1 

 Associate’s degree 23.7 17.9 5.1 31.5 21.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 6.1 6.8 4.0 80.5 2.6 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 22.7 12.5 4.5 56.3 4.0 

 Certificate 21.5 15.9 4.3 35.6 22.8 

 Associate’s degree 22.6 13.5 2.6 36.2 25.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 5.4 6.7 3.9 80.8 3.3 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 7.5 7.8 4.3 80.4 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 6.3 8.0 5.0 77.3 3.4 

 Met curriculum threshold 3.1 4.0 2.6 87.8 2.5 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 7.9 8.6 4.4 75.2 3.8 

 One 2.9 5.7 4.1 84.6 2.7 

 More than one 3.2 3.9 2.6 86.2 4.2 

Grade point average in high school

 B or less 10.8 11.3 7.5 66.7 3.7 

 B+ to A- 4.0 8.1 5.1 80.2 2.7 

 Mostly As 2.6 2.3 1.4 90.9 2.7 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 11.5 11.7 5.5 65.7 5.6 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 5.3 7.8 4.7 79.5 2.6 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 5.5 3.1 2.8 85.8 2.8 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

130
Table 4.5b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year

Table 4.2e—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.2e—the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 70.8 16.8 3.2 7.0 2.2 

 12–24 months 0.3 35.2 12.9 40.6 11.1 

 25 months or more † † 2.3 95.2 2.5 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 6.7 6.8 3.4 79.7 3.4 

 Mixed 2.9 8.5 6.1 76.9 5.5 

 Always part-time 45.2 15.9 5.8 29.8 3.3 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 98.2 ††† 1.8 

 1996–97 † 84.3 † † 15.7 

 1997–98 † † 4.9 92.3 2.8 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 9.1 7.5 3.3 76.7 3.4 

 Transferred 0.2 7.6 7.2 79.4 5.6 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 9.1 7.5 3.3 76.7 3.4 

 Downward transfer 0.4 12.2 9.7 68.5 9.3 

 Upward or lateral transfer 0.1 3.7 5.0 88.9 2.5 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 8.4 6.5 3.2 78.1 3.8 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 13.5 9.9 72.0 4.5 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

131
Table 4.5c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year

Table 4.3e—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.3e—the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

Gender

 Male 8.1 7.9 3.9 76.0 4.2 

 Female 6.6 7.2 4.3 78.2 3.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 5.0 6.6 4.1 81.5 2.8 

 19 years 9.6 7.3 3.0 73.7 6.5 

 20–23 years 16.4 18.5 5.1 46.4 13.7 

 24–29 years 20.1 12.8 8.2 58.3 0.7 

 30 or older 35.6 7.9 3.2 46.0 7.3 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 8.0 7.9 3.8 77.0 3.4 

 Black, non-Hispanic 7.0 12.0 6.5 71.4 3.1 

 Hispanic 6.9 4.4 2.5 79.1 7.1 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 1.3 2.0 7.7 87.5 1.4 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 5.8 6.9 4.0 79.6 3.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 11.1 9.7 2.4 75.3 1.5 

 Single with children 16.3 14.8 8.5 53.3 7.1 

 Married 39.0 7.7 5.9 40.6 6.8 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 9.9 11.5 4.3 69.0 5.2 

 Some postsecondary 9.3 10.5 5.4 68.9 5.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 5.6 5.1 4.5 81.8 3.1 

 Advanced degree 2.3 3.3 2.5 90.5 1.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 3.6 6.1 3.2 83.2 3.9 

 Student working to meet expenses 6.6 8.6 3.9 76.3 4.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 27.3 7.4 9.4 50.5 5.5 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 8.5 7.5 4.4 73.4 6.1 

 $25,000–44,999 8.9 7.9 4.1 75.2 4.0 

 $45,000–69,999 4.3 8.0 2.7 82.0 3.0 

 $70,000 or greater 3.0 4.8 4.7 85.2 2.3 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 20.1 19.0 6.9 46.8 7.2 

 $6,000–14,999 18.1 8.3 7.4 63.5 2.8 

 $15,000–24,999 15.7 8.3 11.2 59.6 5.1 

 $25,000 or greater 42.3 8.7 0.5 42.6 5.9 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

132
Table 4.5d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in public 4-year

Table 4.4e—institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.4e—the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 7.3 7.5 4.1 77.3 3.9 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 4.2 5.2 4.2 83.7 2.7 

 One 10.5 11.2 3.2 67.8 7.3 

 Two or three 20.3 12.0 2.9 57.7 7.1 

 Four or more 30.5 14.6 7.5 41.9 5.4 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 7.3 7.3 4.1 77.7 3.7 

 GED/high school equivalent* 7.7 23.5 6.7 48.2 13.9 

 None* —————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 4.9 6.3 4.2 81.8 2.8 

 Delayed* 16.9 12.5 3.7 58.4 8.5 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 6.0 7.0 4.2 79.3 3.5 

 Part-time* 17.8 10.4 3.1 61.1 7.5 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 5.8 6.9 4.0 79.6 3.7 

 Independent* 25.2 11.1 5.7 52.7 5.3 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 6.5 7.0 3.9 79.0 3.7 

 One or more* 26.0 12.7 8.0 48.3 5.1 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 7.0 7.0 4.0 78.2 3.7 

 Single parent* 16.3 14.8 8.5 53.3 7.1 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 3.6 6.1 3.2 83.2 3.9 

 Worked part time 7.2 7.1 4.3 76.8 4.5 

 Worked full time* 19.9 13.3 5.3 57.6 3.9 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in public 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

133
Table 4.6a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit

Table 4.1f—4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.1f—the year they left postsecondary education, by first institution type and first degree program

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

Highest offering of first institution

 Doctorate-granting 5.0 4.4 2.2 84.0 4.4 

 Non-doctorate-granting 7.2 8.1 4.9 75.5 4.3 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 13.1 2.5 4.7 59.7 20.0 

 Associate’s degree 26.9 19.8 3.7 30.3 19.4 

 Bachelor’s degree 5.2 6.2 4.0 81.4 3.2 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 25.6 14.0 12.2 41.0 7.2 

 Certificate —————

 Associate’s degree 14.9 19.1 6.8 40.6 18.6 

 Bachelor’s degree 3.4 6.2 3.5 82.7 4.1 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 6.7 7.1 4.2 82.1 †

 Certificate †††† 100.0 

 Associate’s degree †††† 100.0 

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 4.1 8.7 4.1 79.7 3.5 

 Met curriculum threshold 3.6 2.5 4.3 86.9 2.7 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 7.0 9.3 4.6 73.3 5.7 

 One 2.3 3.7 2.8 85.7 5.4 

 More than one 0.2 2.0 3.1 92.9 1.9 

Grade point average in high school

 B or less 6.2 16.3 6.9 65.3 5.3 

 B+ to A- 5.9 3.8 5.4 80.9 4.1 

 Mostly As 1.0 3.3 1.9 91.4 2.5 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 11.8 10.2 3.5 67.0 7.6 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 3.5 8.8 6.0 77.8 4.0 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 2.2 2.9 1.8 91.3 1.9 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

134
Table 4.6b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit

Table 4.2f—4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.2f—the year they left postsecondary education, by attendance patterns

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 77.0 12.3 3.8 2.1 4.8 

 12–24 months † 38.7 11.7 39.7 10.0 

 25 months or more † † 2.5 94.3 3.2 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 5.5 6.1 2.9 81.2 4.3 

 Mixed 3.2 9.6 7.2 77.0 3.1 

 Always part-time 53.0 6.6 10.4 16.8 13.3 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 95.7 ††† 4.3 

 1996–97 † 86.6 † † 13.4 

 1997–98 † † 4.6 91.9 3.5 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 8.0 5.6 3.1 78.9 4.5 

 Transferred 1.2 10.7 7.1 77.1 3.9 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 8.0 5.6 3.1 78.9 4.5 

 Downward transfer 0.2 18.2 9.8 65.0 6.8 

 Upward or lateral transfer 1.8 6.2 5.4 84.4 2.2 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 7.1 6.5 3.3 78.4 4.6 

 Not continuously enrolled 0.0 9.1 10.0 79.0 1.9 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

135
Table 4.6c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit

Table 4.3f—4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.3f—the year they left postsecondary education, by demographic characteristics

No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

Gender

 Male 9.1 7.3 2.8 76.4 4.4 

 Female 4.3 6.4 4.9 80.1 4.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 4.1 6.0 3.5 83.5 3.0 

 19 years 6.1 9.9 6.3 72.8 4.9 

 20–23 years 17.7 11.6 8.5 48.5 13.6 

 24–29 years 20.4 7.2 2.8 44.3 25.3 

 30 or older 45.3 9.8 3.7 31.3 9.9 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 5.8 6.4 3.7 79.6 4.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 5.9 11.7 4.8 71.3 6.3 

 Hispanic 13.2 7.3 4.0 71.8 3.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 4.1 2.1 6.1 86.0 1.8 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native —————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 4.4 6.1 4.0 81.9 3.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 11.5 13.4 3.7 56.3 15.1 

 Single with children 25.7 15.1 6.5 37.2 15.6 

 Married 41.1 15.9 2.8 34.2 6.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 11.0 11.9 6.2 65.6 5.2 

 Some postsecondary 7.8 9.0 2.9 75.3 5.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 2.4 5.8 3.8 84.1 4.0 

 Advanced degree 4.4 2.7 3.3 86.3 3.3 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 5.7 5.1 3.8 80.0 5.4 

 Student working to meet expenses 3.2 7.2 3.9 81.5 4.3 

 Employee who is enrolled 21.0 13.9 7.6 49.2 8.2 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 6.2 10.3 5.2 75.0 3.4 

 $25,000–44,999 4.7 6.6 7.3 76.9 4.5 

 $45,000–69,999 2.6 6.5 2.2 84.7 4.1 

 $70,000 or greater 4.3 3.1 2.4 86.9 3.2 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 21.8 17.6 5.8 52.5 2.3 

 $6,000–14,999 14.6 22.0 3.8 34.6 25.0 

 $15,000–24,999 —————

 $25,000 or greater 39.9 6.3 2.6 32.2 19.0 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

136
Table 4.6d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students in private, not-for-profit

Table 4.4f—4-year institutions according to whether they attained as of spring 1998, or if they did not attain,

Table 4.4f—the year they left postsecondary education, by persistence risk factors when they first enrolled

 No degree, No degree, No degree, No degree,

 last year last year last year enrolled Attained by

 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 spring 1998 spring 1998

 Total 6.4 6.8 4.0 78.5 4.3 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 3.2 5.7 3.0 84.7 3.3 

 One 8.7 7.3 8.2 69.1 6.7 

 Two or three 24.8 11.5 6.7 48.5 8.6 

 Four or more 26.6 20.0 5.7 34.6 13.1 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 6.1 6.7 3.9 79.1 4.3 

 GED/high school equivalent* 17.1 11.3 8.7 57.3 5.7 

 None* —————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 3.9 6.1 3.7 83.9 2.4 

 Delayed* 18.3 9.9 5.6 52.7 13.5 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 4.9 6.3 3.6 81.1 4.1 

 Part-time* 24.8 13.1 8.0 47.4 6.8 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 4.4 6.1 4.0 81.9 3.7 

 Independent* 25.8 14.7 4.0 43.7 11.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 5.2 6.3 3.9 80.5 4.1 

 One or more* 31.1 21.2 6.1 30.5 11.1 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 5.7 6.6 3.9 79.6 4.2 

 Single parent* 25.7 15.1 6.5 37.2 15.6 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 5.7 5.1 3.8 80.0 5.4 

 Worked part time 3.1 6.8 4.1 81.8 4.3 

 Worked full time* 17.3 14.1 6.5 54.9 7.3 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students who began in private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions

Attainment or last year of enrollment anywhere

_______

137
Table 5.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining

Table 5.1a—a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.1a—persistence status, by first institution type and degree program 

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled 

 Total 51.7 2.0 0.0 8.2 1.6 36.5

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 9.4 13.4 0.0 4.4 31.1 41.6

 Private, not-for-profit ——— —— —

 Private, for-profit ——— —— —

 2-year

 Public 39.1 3.4 0.0 13.6 0.2 43.6

 Private, not-for-profit 15.7 16.5 0.0 16.8 2.2 48.8

 Private, for-profit 57.9 1.3 0.0 7.9 1.1 31.8

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 53.2 0.5 0.0 3.7 0.5 42.1

 Private, for-profit 67.6 0.0 0.0 4.1 0.4 27.9

Level of first institution

 4-year 14.8 10.0 0.0 2.7 36.3 36.2

 2-year 42.1 3.3 0.0 12.6 0.5 41.5

 Less-than-2-year 64.0 0.1 0.0 4.1 0.5 31.3

Control of first institution

 Public 40.9 3.2 0.0 11.2 1.5 43.2

 Private, not-for-profit 22.0 8.4 0.0 9.2 21.3 39.1

 Private, for-profit 65.7 0.3 0.0 4.9 0.5 28.7

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 55.2 1.5 0.0 6.4 1.5 35.4

 Associate’s degree 9.8 7.6 0.0 30.5 1.1 50.9

 Bachelor’s degree ——— —— —

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 17.8 3.5 78.7

 Certificate 99.9 0.1 0.0 †† †

 Associate’s degree ——— † † †

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer ——— —— —

 Degree, no transfer 55.5 1.7 0.0 6.9 0.4 35.6

 Degree, transfer ——— —— —

 No degree, transfer ——— —— —

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 56.2 1.5 0.0 6.6 0.5 35.2

 Associate’s applied fields 10.5 4.6 0.0 31.7 0.0 53.3

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain ——— —— —

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 53.6 2.0 0.0 6.9 0.5 37.1

 Degree or certificate 51.2 3.7 0.0 6.5 0.4 38.2

 Transfer to 4-year ——— —— —

 Other 51.8 0.2 0.0 4.6 0.0 43.4

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Still enrolled

No degree

Students with a certificate goal

_______

138
Table 5.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining

Table 5.1b—a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.1b—persistence status, by purpose for enrolling and attendance patterns

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 51.7 2.0 0.0 8.2 1.6 36.5 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 47.5 0.8 0.0 0.9 0.2 50.5 

 12–24 months 67.1 3.3 0.0 7.3 0.5 21.9 

 25 months or more 29.3 4.7 0.0 50.6 12.5 3.0 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 58.4 3.3 0.0 3.3 1.3 33.7 

 Mixed 53.8 1.0 0.0 19.6 4.1 21.5 

 Always part-time 35.7 0.1 0.0 9.4 0.2 54.7 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 38.8 1.0 0.0 † † 60.2 

 1996–97 76.2 1.9 0.0 † † 22.0 

 1997–98 40.1 4.3 0.0 37.5 7.4 10.7 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 52.3 1.6 0.0 6.7 0.9 38.5 

 Transferred 44.6 6.8 0.0 24.7 9.3 14.6 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 52.3 1.6 0.0 6.7 0.9 38.5 

 Downward transfer ——— — † —

 Upward or lateral transfer 41.2 7.5 0.0 24.9 10.1 16.4 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 52.4 1.8 0.0 6.4 1.4 38.0 

 Not continuously enrolled 45.4 3.5 0.0 23.7 3.7 23.8 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with a certificate goal

_______

139
Table 5.1c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining

Table 5.1c—a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.1c—persistence status, by demographic characteristics

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 51.7 2.0 0.0 8.2 1.6 36.5

Gender

 Male 49.7 2.0 0.0 7.6 1.8 38.9

 Female 52.9 2.0 0.0 8.6 1.5 35.0

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 45.6 7.1 0.0 6.7 4.9 35.8

 19 years 44.7 1.3 0.0 20.2 1.9 32.0

 20–23 years 53.1 0.1 0.0 12.4 0.4 34.1

 24–29 years 60.6 0.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 35.9

 30 or older 51.5 1.3 0.0 5.0 1.1 41.0

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 53.6 2.9 0.0 7.8 2.4 33.4

 Black, non-Hispanic 52.8 0.2 0.0 1.3 0.9 44.8

 Hispanic 47.2 0.9 0.0 17.1 0.3 34.5

 Asian/Pacific Islander ——— —— —

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——— —— —

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 46.5 4.9 0.0 11.7 3.7 33.2

 Single, no children (independent) 59.0 0.3 0.0 6.3 0.2 34.2

 Single with children 56.3 0.3 0.0 4.2 0.0 39.3

 Married 52.1 1.0 0.0 8.0 1.0 38.0

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 51.3 2.0 0.0 8.2 1.1 37.3

 Some postsecondary 50.6 0.9 0.0 7.2 2.3 39.0

 Bachelor’s degree 40.1 7.1 0.0 14.8 4.9 33.1

 Advanced degree ——— —— —

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 58.9 0.6 0.0 3.5 1.3 35.8

 Student working to meet expenses 45.5 2.7 0.0 15.6 2.8 33.5

 Employee who is enrolled 45.7 3.5 0.0 7.4 1.0 42.4

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 45.7 6.4 0.0 8.5 3.7 35.8

 $25,000–44,999 50.1 2.1 0.0 20.4 2.1 25.3

 $45,000–69,999 35.5 8.5 0.0 8.6 5.8 41.7

 $70,000 or greater 59.3 0.0 0.0 2.5 5.6 32.7

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 64.3 0.3 0.0 3.0 0.0 32.5

 $6,000–14,999 53.4 0.1 0.0 9.4 0.1 36.9

 $15,000–24,999 57.2 0.9 0.0 2.9 1.1 38.0

 $25,000 or greater 46.4 1.0 0.0 9.5 0.6 42.5

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students with a certificate goal

No degree

Still enrolled

_______

140
Table 5.1d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining

Table 5.1d—a certificate when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.1d—persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 51.7 2.0 0.0 8.2 1.6 36.5 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 53.8 9.6 0.0 4.5 6.1 26.0 

 One 42.1 4.2 0.0 15.8 2.0 35.9 

 Two or three 56.8 0.5 0.0 7.3 1.0 34.4 

 Four or more 51.8 0.5 0.0 6.9 0.7 40.1 

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 49.5 2.1 0.0 9.5 2.2 36.7 

 GED/high school equivalent* 64.1 0.3 0.0 6.4 0.0 29.2 

 None* 44.4 4.7 0.0 1.2 0.0 49.7 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 45.5 4.9 0.0 14.4 4.7 30.5 

 Delayed* 54.6 0.7 0.0 7.1 0.8 36.8 

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 56.5 2.8 0.0 7.3 1.8 31.6 

 Part-time* 43.6 0.6 0.0 10.1 1.4 44.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 46.5 4.9 0.0 11.7 3.7 33.2 

 Independent* 55.2 0.6 0.0 6.2 0.5 37.6 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 52.7 2.9 0.0 10.3 2.2 32.0 

 One or more* 51.5 0.7 0.0 4.9 0.7 42.2 

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 51.0 2.6 0.0 9.3 2.1 35.1 

 Single parent* 56.3 0.3 0.0 4.2 0.0 39.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 58.9 0.6 0.0 3.5 1.3 35.8 

 Worked part time 52.1 5.8 0.0 10.7 1.8 29.6 

 Worked full time* 44.1 0.0 0.0 11.1 1.8 43.0 

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with a certificate goal

_______

141
Table 5.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining an

Table 5.2a—associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.2a—persistence status, by first institution type and degree program 

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 6.2 14.5 0.1 31.6 6.6 41.1

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 7.9 17.1 0.0 5.5 30.7 38.8

 Private, not-for-profit 2.1 16.6 0.0 1.8 38.8 40.8

 Private, for-profit ——— —— —

 2-year

 Public 5.9 11.2 0.0 35.2 5.4 42.4

 Private, not-for-profit 7.6 41.9 2.7 12.6 5.2 30.0

 Private, for-profit 9.7 41.2 0.0 15.0 2.3 31.9

Level of first institution

 4-year 5.9 16.7 0.0 5.0 33.1 39.3

 2-year 6.2 14.3 0.1 33.0 5.1 41.3

 Less-than-2-year ——— —— —

Control of first institution

 Public 5.9 11.4 0.0 34.1 6.3 42.2

 Private, not-for-profit 5.4 31.8 1.6 8.3 18.5 34.3

 Private, for-profit 9.4 39.2 0.0 14.6 4.4 32.4

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 8.2 12.3 0.0 19.0 8.1 52.5

 Associate’s degree 6.1 14.6 0.1 32.3 6.1 40.7

 Bachelor’s degree ——— —— —

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 39.8 8.3 51.9

 Certificate 88.5 10.6 0.9 †† †

 Associate’s degree † 100.0 0.0 †† †

Transfer or degree expectation

 No degree, no transfer ——— —— —

 Degree, no transfer 8.2 13.3 0.1 33.0 2.0 43.5

 Degree, transfer 2.6 17.8 0.0 34.8 11.5 33.3

 No degree, transfer ——— —— —

Program/field at first institution

 Vocational certificate 8.5 12.1 0.0 18.0 8.0 53.4

 Associate’s applied fields 7.5 16.7 0.1 32.3 3.8 39.6

 Associate’s liberal arts/uncertain 3.9 10.9 0.0 36.1 6.8 42.3

Purpose for enrolling

 Job skills 10.1 14.4 0.0 22.1 1.7 51.8

 Degree or certificate 6.6 11.6 0.0 34.7 1.9 45.3

 Transfer to 4-year 2.6 18.1 0.0 34.8 11.0 33.4

 Other 7.0 10.6 0.6 28.4 5.1 48.4

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students with an associate’s degree goal

No degree

Still enrolled

_______

142
Table 5.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining an

Table 5.2b—associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.2b—persistence status, by purpose for enrolling, transfer expectations, and attendance patterns

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 6.2 14.5 0.1 31.6 6.6 41.1 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 4.1 1.6 0.0 4.5 0.6 89.2 

 12–24 months 9.5 13.1 0.2 27.1 3.2 47.0 

 25 months or more 4.7 24.1 0.0 53.3 13.4 4.5 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 6.4 27.4 0.0 28.1 8.8 29.5 

 Mixed 7.8 9.4 0.2 40.9 7.8 33.9 

 Always part-time 3.0 0.2 0.0 21.2 0.4 75.3 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 2.8 1.1 0.0 † † 96.1 

 1996–97 8.7 17.5 0.3 † † 73.5 

 1997–98 6.4 17.5 0.0 52.2 10.9 13.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 6.2 9.3 0.0 34.3 2.4 47.8 

 Transferred 6.3 35.9 0.3 20.2 23.9 13.4 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 6.2 9.3 0.0 34.3 2.4 47.8 

 Downward transfer 21.4 8.3 0.0 33.2 † 37.2 

 Upward or lateral transfer 4.4 39.3 0.4 18.6 26.8 10.5 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 5.5 17.7 0.1 27.2 5.8 43.7 

 Not continuously enrolled 8.8 2.1 0.0 48.2 9.5 31.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with an associate’s degree goal

_______

143
Table 5.2c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining an

Table 5.2c—associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.2c—persistence status, by demographic characteristics

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 6.2 14.5 0.1 31.6 6.6 41.1

Gender

 Male 5.9 15.3 0.1 33.1 7.2 38.4

 Female 6.5 13.8 0.0 30.3 6.1 43.4

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 5.8 20.0 0.0 34.4 8.6 31.3

 19 years 2.7 14.6 0.0 42.8 9.4 30.5

 20–23 years 8.6 8.0 0.4 30.9 5.5 46.7

 24–29 years 3.0 5.3 0.0 19.3 1.8 70.6

 30 or older 10.4 7.3 0.0 19.7 0.9 61.7

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 6.8 15.6 0.1 32.4 6.7 38.4

 Black, non-Hispanic 7.2 12.4 0.0 18.9 4.7 56.9

 Hispanic 3.5 14.2 0.0 34.6 7.3 40.4

 Asian/Pacific Islander 0.5 3.6 0.0 42.5 4.0 49.5

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——— —— —

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 5.5 17.3 0.1 37.7 8.4 31.1

 Single, no children (independent) 4.5 7.7 0.0 12.7 3.6 71.5

 Single with children 11.2 15.1 0.0 22.0 4.5 47.3

 Married 4.5 4.4 0.0 25.6 1.5 64.0

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 6.6 12.6 0.0 33.3 4.2 43.4

 Some postsecondary 5.3 13.0 0.0 30.9 7.9 42.9

 Bachelor’s degree 6.0 25.2 0.4 28.2 5.1 35.2

 Advanced degree 0.9 10.8 0.0 22.9 33.3 32.1

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 5.7 17.3 0.0 30.4 6.3 40.3

 Student working to meet expenses 6.9 16.8 0.1 31.3 9.5 35.3

 Employee who is enrolled 5.4 8.9 0.0 26.7 0.9 58.1

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 3.8 15.9 0.0 46.8 5.8 27.7

 $25,000–44,999 5.9 16.8 0.0 31.8 9.8 35.7

 $45,000–69,999 8.5 19.3 0.0 33.5 6.3 32.4

 $70,000 or greater 3.6 17.4 0.6 35.7 14.8 27.9

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 5.5 13.1 0.0 22.9 6.4 52.1

 $6,000–14,999 9.7 12.2 0.0 19.1 3.7 55.4

 $15,000–24,999 12.5 6.3 0.0 23.4 1.9 55.9

 $25,000 or greater 3.4 4.5 0.0 16.7 0.4 75.0

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students with an associate’s degree goal

No degree

Still enrolled

_______

144
Table 5.2d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining an

Table 5.2d—associate’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.2d—persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 6.2 14.5 0.1 31.6 6.6 41.1

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 4.8 29.8 0.0 32.5 13.7 19.3

 One 4.9 11.0 0.3 43.8 5.8 34.3

 Two or three 6.6 5.2 0.0 33.8 2.7 51.7

 Four or more 7.8 8.0 0.0 20.1 2.6 61.5

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 6.5 15.1 0.1 32.9 6.9 38.5

 GED/high school equivalent* 3.1 10.6 0.0 22.8 3.2 60.3

 None* ——— —— —

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 5.9 19.8 0.0 35.7 9.4 29.2

 Delayed* 6.7 8.2 0.1 27.5 3.1 54.4

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 7.1 20.8 0.0 31.9 7.5 32.7

 Part-time* 4.8 4.4 0.2 30.9 5.1 54.7

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 5.5 17.3 0.1 37.7 8.4 31.1

 Independent* 7.0 9.2 0.0 20.9 3.1 59.7

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 5.4 15.9 0.1 34.5 7.5 36.6

 One or more* 8.3 9.5 0.0 22.7 3.3 56.3

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 5.3 14.5 0.1 33.5 7.0 39.7

 Single parent* 11.2 15.1 0.0 22.0 4.5 47.3

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 5.7 17.3 0.0 30.4 6.3 40.3

 Worked part time 7.0 19.2 0.1 32.9 10.2 30.5

 Worked full time* 5.9 7.5 0.0 28.8 1.1 56.7

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with an associate’s degree goal

_______

145
Table 5.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining a

Table 5.3a—bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.3a—persistence status, by first institution type and degree program 

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 1.5 2.7 0.7 12.5 63.2 19.4 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 1.0 1.3 1.0 5.9 74.8 16.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 1.3 2.0 0.9 3.9 78.8 13.1 

 Private, for-profit 7.8 15.8 5.4 10.7 33.3 27.1 

 2-year

 Public 2.6 5.2 0.0 36.1 22.9 33.3 

 Private, not-for-profit ——— —— —

 Private, for-profit ——— —— —

 Less-than-2-year ——— —— —

Level of first institution

 4-year 1.1 1.7 1.0 5.3 75.9 15.1 

 2-year 2.6 6.0 0.0 35.7 22.5 33.2 

Highest offering of first institution*

 Doctorate-granting 1.0 1.2 1.1 5.1 78.8 12.7 

 Non-doctorate-granting 1.2 1.9 0.7 5.3 73.3 17.7 

Control of first institution

 Public 1.5 2.6 0.7 15.7 58.1 21.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 1.3 2.2 0.9 4.0 78.5 13.2 

 Private, for-profit 4.7 26.3 3.2 14.8 21.8 29.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 0.7 7.8 0.0 16.9 49.8 24.9 

 Associate’s degree 2.8 7.1 0.0 34.1 22.3 33.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 1.1 1.1 1.0 5.3 76.9 14.5 

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None ††† 13.2 66.5 20.4 

 Certificate 91.2 3.8 5.0 †† †

 Associate’s degree † 97.2 2.8 †† †

Met high math/science curriculum

 Did not meet threshold 0.9 1.8 0.6 11.7 66.6 18.4 

 Met curriculum threshold 0.7 3.0 0.7 7.5 78.9 9.2 

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken

 None 1.8 3.2 0.6 14.6 57.8 22.0 

 One 1.3 1.1 1.3 8.8 70.9 16.6 

 More than one 0.5 2.0 1.2 4.7 84.9 6.8 

Grade point average in high school

 B or less 0.9 3.8 0.4 18.7 49.8 26.5 

 B+ to A- 1.4 1.5 0.6 11.8 68.7 16.1 

 Mostly As 0.7 2.3 0.8 3.2 87.1 5.9 

Derived SAT combined score

 Low quartile (400–700) 1.1 3.0 0.5 24.3 45.8 25.4 

 Middle quartiles (710–1020) 1.0 2.1 0.5 9.7 70.7 16.0 

 High quartile (1030–1600) 0.7 2.4 1.0 2.3 84.5 9.3 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*4-year institutions only.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students with a bachelor’s degree goal

No degree

Still enrolled

_______

146
Table 5.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining a

Table 5.3b—bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.3b—persistence status, by high school academic preparation, and attendance patterns

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 1.5 2.7 0.7 12.5 63.2 19.4 

Number of months enrolled through 1998

 Less than 12 months 2.3 0.5 0.0 5.7 1.3 90.3 

 12–24 months 2.5 4.5 1.9 20.8 24.8 45.5 

 25 months or more 1.1 2.6 0.6 11.6 81.6 2.4 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 1.0 3.2 0.9 6.6 71.8 16.6 

 Mixed 2.0 1.8 0.6 26.6 49.5 19.6 

 Always part-time 5.9 0.9 0.0 15.0 19.6 58.6 

Academic year of last enrollment

 1995–96 0.1 0.7 0.0 † † 99.2 

 1996–97 3.3 5.5 3.7 † † 87.4 

 1997–98 1.4 2.6 0.5 14.9 75.5 5.0 

Transfer status through 1998

 Did not transfer 1.3 2.2 0.9 8.7 65.3 21.7 

 Transferred 2.0 4.4 0.2 24.7 56.6 12.1 

First transfer direction

 Did not transfer 1.3 2.2 0.9 8.7 65.3 21.7 

 Downward transfer 5.1 3.1 0.0 60.6 12.1 19.1 

 Upward or lateral transfer 1.0 4.8 0.2 12.7 71.5 9.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 1.3 2.9 0.8 9.5 66.3 19.1 

 Not continuously enrolled 2.7 1.3 0.0 33.3 41.3 21.4 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with a bachelor’s degree goal

_______

147
Table 5.3c—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining a

Table 5.3c—bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.3c—persistence status, by demographic characteristics

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 1.5 2.7 0.7 12.5 63.2 19.4 

Gender

 Male 1.8 2.2 0.8 15.7 59.0 20.6 

 Female 1.2 3.1 0.7 9.7 66.9 18.4 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 1.3 2.3 0.3 11.5 70.2 14.4 

 19 years 1.3 2.5 1.3 20.2 46.7 28.0 

 20–23 years 4.1 3.8 5.0 10.2 34.9 41.9 

 24–29 years 0.9 10.6 0.0 22.8 29.1 36.7 

 30 or older 3.1 4.0 1.1 3.3 46.6 41.9 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 0.9 3.0 0.7 10.5 66.7 18.2 

 Black, non-Hispanic 3.8 2.3 0.0 12.6 50.8 30.6 

 Hispanic 2.7 0.9 2.0 19.9 53.2 21.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 1.5 2.7 0.3 15.9 69.7 10.0 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.0 3.8 0.0 0.7 54.8 40.7 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 1.4 2.4 0.8 12.1 66.6 16.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 1.0 3.5 1.5 18.4 33.4 42.2 

 Single with children 4.6 5.1 0.0 12.6 32.9 44.9 

 Married 3.4 6.5 0.0 6.6 39.2 44.3 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 2.0 2.9 1.1 13.9 52.0 28.2 

 Some postsecondary 1.3 4.8 0.6 16.5 52.4 24.6 

 Bachelor’s degree 1.6 2.4 0.5 14.8 67.2 13.5 

 Advanced degree 1.1 1.5 0.7 6.3 82.9 7.7 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 1.6 2.3 0.6 9.6 72.5 13.4 

 Student working to meet expenses 1.2 2.1 1.0 15.4 61.6 18.7 

 Employee who is enrolled 2.3 5.1 0.4 10.8 37.2 44.2 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 2.2 2.4 1.2 15.5 55.3 23.3 

 $25,000–44,999 1.4 2.7 0.7 11.5 63.4 20.4 

 $45,000–69,999 0.9 1.7 0.9 9.6 72.3 14.7 

 $70,000 or greater 1.1 2.8 0.4 12.1 72.9 10.6 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 3.1 2.7 0.0 12.9 31.0 50.4 

 $6,000–14,999 2.0 6.0 0.8 16.7 31.2 43.4 

 $15,000–24,999 1.2 5.7 0.0 19.0 37.0 37.2 

 $25,000 or greater 3.9 5.3 1.4 2.4 52.8 34.2 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out of the

first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Students with a bachelor’s degree goal

No degree

Still enrolled

_______

148
Table 5.3d—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students with a goal of attaining a

Table 5.3d—bachelor’s degree when they first enrolled, according to the highest degree attained and 3-year

Table 5.3d—persistence status, by persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Highest degree attained

Less-than- 4-year Not

Certificate Associate’s Bachelor’s 4-year institution enrolled

 Total 1.5 2.7 0.7 12.5 63.2 19.4

Number of risk factors when first enrolled

 None 0.8 2.1 0.6 8.2 76.4 12.0

 One 1.9 3.6 1.8 19.6 50.5 22.6

 Two or three 3.6 3.6 0.5 21.8 28.3 42.1

 Four or more 4.8 3.9 0.0 15.4 25.6 50.4

High school diploma or equivalency status

 High school diploma 1.2 2.5 0.8 12.3 64.1 19.1

 GED/high school equivalent* 5.5 11.2 0.0 11.4 34.4 37.5

 None* ——— —— —

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 1.1 2.1 0.2 12.1 69.3 15.2

 Delayed* 2.2 5.0 2.8 12.9 41.8 35.4

Attendance status when first enrolled

 Full-time 1.0 2.7 0.8 10.1 67.6 17.7

 Part-time* 4.1 2.7 0.4 26.3 38.5 28.2

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 1.4 2.4 0.8 12.1 66.6 16.7

 Independent* 2.8 4.9 0.6 12.9 35.2 43.6

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 1.4 2.5 0.8 12.3 65.0 18.0

 One or more* 4.5 5.9 0.0 9.5 34.7 45.3

Single parent status when first enrolled

 Not a single parent 1.4 2.6 0.8 12.2 64.4 18.6

 Single parent* 4.6 5.1 0.0 12.6 32.9 44.9

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 1.6 2.3 0.6 9.6 72.5 13.4

 Worked part time 0.9 2.4 0.9 14.9 63.4 17.5

 Worked full time* 3.7 2.4 0.6 11.2 39.0 43.2

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factor.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Total persistence and attainment rates include students who transferred out

of the first institution attended.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

No degree

Still enrolled

Students with a bachelor’s degree goal

_______

149
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151

Institutional and Student Characteristics Tables

Section 6: Enrollment and demographic characteristics

First institution attended

Gender

Age at first enrollment

Race/ethnicity

Marital status and children

Income in 1994

Persistence risk factors

Section 7: Financial aid and working status

Financial aid in 1995–96

Employment status while enrolled in 1995–96

Enrollment versus employment (students’ primary role)

Post-enrollment employment
Table Compendium

152

Enrollment and Demographic Characteristics

First Institution Attended28

• In 1995–96, half of all students just beginning their postsecondary education attended

2-year institutions; 41 percent attended 4-year colleges and universities; and 9 percent

attended less-than-2-year institutions, most of which provide short-term vocational

training (table 6.1a).

• The age that students first began their postsecondary education was strongly related to

the level of institution they first attended. Those who were 18 years or younger were

far more likely to enroll at the 4-year level (56 percent) than were all older students including 19-year-olds (34 percent), 20- through 23-year-olds (22 percent), and those 24

or older (10 to 11 percent; table 6.1b).

• While men and women were equally likely to enroll at the 4-year level (41 percent),

men were more likely to attend 2-year institutions (53 percent versus 48 percent), and

women were more likely to attend less-than-2-year institutions (11 percent versus 6

percent; table 6.1b).29

• Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of all 1995–96 beginning students attended public

institutions, while 16 percent and 11 percent, respectively, attended private, not-forprofit and private, for-profit institutions (table 6.2a).

• Roughly one-quarter (27 percent) of dependent students from high-income families

($70,000 or higher) attended private, not-for-profit institutions, compared with 15 percent of dependent students from families with incomes under $25,000 (table 6.2b).

• Nearly half (46 percent) of all 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students attended

public 2-year colleges, while approximately one-quarter (26 percent) attended public 4-

year institutions and 15 percent attended private, not-for-profit 4-year institutions. The

remainder attended other less-than-4-year institutions, including 7 percent in private,

for-profit less-than-2-year institutions (table 6.3a).

• Asian or Pacific Islander students were more likely than Hispanic or black, nonHispanic students (35 percent versus 22 percent and 21 percent, respectively) to enroll

in public 4-year institutions (table 6.3b).

• Black, non-Hispanic students were more likely to attend private, not-for-profit lessthan-2-year institutions than were white students (13 percent versus 5 percent; table

6.3b).

 

28The numbers appearing in these compendium tables will differ slightly from those published in the NCES report 1999–030,

Descriptive Summary of 1996–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students, because a longitudinal weight based on students enrolled

in the base-year and follow-up survey was used. In the former publication, the NPSAS:95–96 cross-sectional weight was used.

29Among all beginning students, 54 percent were women. L. Kojaku and A.M. Nuñez, Descriptive Summary of 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students, table 3.1.
Table Compendium

153

Gender

• Among all 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, 55 percent were women; the

same was true among students enrolled at the 4-year level (table 6.4a).

• There was no measurable gender difference among students attending 2-year institutions, in sharp contrast to the gender distribution at less-than-2-year institutions, where

over two-thirds (70 percent) of students were women (table 6.4a).

• There was no gender difference among 19-year-olds and 20- through 23-year-olds.30

The younger and the older age groups were more likely to be women. Women represented 55 percent of those age 18 or younger as well as 60 percent of those 24–29 and

64 percent of students 30 or older (table 6.4b).

• Taking into account parents’ education, students whose parents attained lower levels of

education (high school or some postsecondary education short of a bachelor’s degree)

were more likely to be women (57 percent and 58 percent, respectively). In contrast,

among students whose parents held either a bachelor’s or advanced degree, there was

no measurable gender difference (table 6.4b).

Age at First Enrollment31

• When they first enrolled in postsecondary education, a majority of 1995–96 beginning

students (58 percent) were 18 or younger, and about one in ten (11 percent) were 30 or

older (table 6.5a).

• Age was strongly related to the level of institution students attended. Among those enrolled at the 4-year level, 79 percent were 18 or younger, compared with 48 percent

among those at 2-year institutions and 19 percent among those at less-than-2-year institutions (table 6.5a).

• The level of parents’ education was also strongly related to the age at which students

first began their postsecondary education. Among students whose parents’ highest education was high school or less, 46 percent were 18 or younger, compared with 68 percent and 82 percent, respectively, of those whose parents held bachelor’s or advanced

degrees (table 6.5b).

Race/Ethnicity

• Beginning students working toward a vocational certificate were more likely to be

Hispanic (19 percent) or black, non-Hispanic (18 percent) than those working toward a

bachelor’s degree (12 percent and 10 percent, respectively). Black, non-Hispanic stu-

 

30It appears as though there is a higher proportion of men than women among 19-year-olds, but there is not enough statistical

evidence to draw this conclusion.

31The age distribution reported here differs from that reported in the NCES report 1999–030, Descriptive Summary of 1996–96

Beginning Postsecondary Students. Students’ ages in the earlier publication were reported as of December 31, 1995, which was

up to five months after the age of initial enrollment used in this report. Consequently, the percentage of students 18 or younger

was much lower (45 percent compared with 58 percent at time of enrollment).
Table Compendium

154

dents also made up a higher proportion of those working toward a vocational certificate than of those working toward an associate’s degree, among whom 10 percent were

black, non-Hispanic (table 6.6a).

• Students who were 20–23 years old were more likely to be black, non-Hispanic than

either those 18 or younger or 30 or older (20 percent compared with 9 percent of both

18-year-olds and students over 30).32 Similarly, Hispanic students made up a larger

proportion of 20- through 23-year-olds (21 percent) than they did in any other age

group (11 to 16 percent; table 6.6b).

• Among both dependent and independent students, those in the lowest income quartile

were much more likely to be black, non-Hispanic than were those in the highest income quartile (16 percent versus 4 percent of dependent students and 23 percent versus

11 percent of independent students) (table 6.6b).

Marital Status and Children

• Most of the 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students were unmarried and had no

children (81 percent), while about 9 percent were single parents (table 6.7a).

• Due partly to the age variations among students at different level institutions, those in

either 2-year or less-than-2-year institutions were much more likely to be single parents

(12 percent and 28 percent, respectively) than were students attending 4-year institutions (2 percent; table 6.7a).

• One-quarter of black, non-Hispanic students were single parents, compared with 10

percent of Hispanic students, 7 percent of white students, and 3 percent of

Asian/Pacific Islander students (table 6.7b).33

Income in 1994

Dependent Students’ Family Income

• Among dependent 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students,34 roughly one in five

(22 percent) of those enrolled at the 4-year level had family incomes in lowest income

quartile (less than $25,000), and about one-third (32 percent) were in the highest income quartile ($70,000 or more). In contrast, just over one-half of dependent students

attending less-than-2-year institutions (55 percent) were in the lowest income quartile,

and 8 percent were in the highest quartile (table 6.8.a).

 

32There also appeared to be a higher proportion of black, non-Hispanic students among 24- through 29-year-olds, compared with

students 18 or younger, but there was not enough statistical evidence to draw this conclusion.

33While it appears as though American Indian/Alaskan Native students were also more likely to be single parents than Hispanic,

white, and Asian/Pacific Islander students, the sample size is too small to reach statistical significance.

34At 4-year institutions 91 percent of the beginners were dependent, compared with 64 percent at 2-year institutions and 27 percent at less-than-2-year institutions. L. Kojaku and A.M. Nuñez, Descriptive Summary of 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary

Students, table 3.2.
Table Compendium

155

• Nearly half (48 percent) of older dependent students (20–23 years) were from families

in the lowest income quartile, compared with one-quarter of those 18 or younger (table

6.8.b).

• Compared with about one in five dependent white students (19 percent), nearly half of

black, non-Hispanic (47 percent), Hispanic (45 percent), and Asian/Pacific Islander

beginning students (46 percent) were in the lowest income quartile (table 6.8b).

Independent Students’ Income

• Students who were working while enrolled were asked whether they considered themselves to be primarily students or primarily employees. Among independent students

who reported working while they were enrolled in 1995–96, those who identified

themselves as students working to meet expenses were about half as likely to be in the

highest income quartile ($25,000 or more) in 1994 than were students who identified

themselves primarily as employees who were enrolled in school (20 percent versus 38

percent; table 6.9b).

Risk Factors

The 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students were identified according to the number of

characteristics they possessed that were associated with an increased risk of leaving postsecondary education. These risk factors fall into three areas: enrollment, financial and family status,

and high school graduation status. The enrollment risk factors include (1) attending on a parttime basis and (2) delaying enrollment a year or more after high school graduation. Family and

financial risk factors include (3) being financially independent of parents according to financial

aid criteria, (4) working full time while enrolled, (5) having dependents, and (6) being a single

parent. The final risk factor is (7) dropping out of high school or completing through alternative

means such as a GED or high school equivalent certificate. Students were grouped into four categories of risk: none, one risk factor, two or three risk factors, and four or more. Having no risk

factors means a student falls into a category that is commonly referred to as “traditional,” meaning he or she entered postsecondary education immediately after graduating from high school,

attended full time, and was financially dependent on parents. By comparison, students having

four or more risk factors would be highly nontraditional, that is, at high risk of leaving postsecondary education without attaining.

• Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, about half (55 percent) were identified as nontraditional, meaning they had one or more risk factors (table 6.10a).

• While most beginning students attending 4-year institutions had no risk factors (75

percent), the opposite was true for those attending 2-year and less-than-2-year institutions. Just 26 percent and 11 percent, respectively, of these students had no risk factors,
Table Compendium

156

while 23 percent and 33 percent, respectively, had four or more risk factors (table

6.10a).

• Due in part to the high risk associated with being single parents (i.e., they have at least

three risk factors by definition),35 women were more likely than men to have four or

more risk factors (20 percent versus 11 percent; table 6.10b).

• Nearly 30 percent of black, non-Hispanic students had four or more risk factors, in

contrast to 15 percent of white students, 14 percent of Hispanic students, and 13 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander students (table 6.10b).

• About 25 percent of American Indian/Alaskan Native students were also at high risk,

with four or more risk factors, but because of small sample sizes, there was not enough

statistical evidence to conclude that they were more or less likely than other groups to

have four or more risk factors (table 6.10b).

• Asian/Pacific Islander students were more likely than students in all other racial/ethnic

groups except white students to have no risk factors (55 percent compared with 27 to

37 percent). White students also were more likely to have no risk factors (49 percent)

than Hispanic students (37 percent), black, non-Hispanic students (33 percent), and

American Indian/Alaskan Native students (27 percent; table 6.10b).

Financial Aid and Working Status

Financial Aid in 1995–96

• In 1995–96, 61 percent of beginning students received some form of financial aid, averaging nearly $5,000. Roughly half (51 percent) received grants, and nearly one-third

(31 percent) received student loans (table 7.1a).

• Due in part to their greater likelihood of attending full time and also to the higher tuition, students attending 4-year institutions and those attending less-than-2-year institutions were much more likely to receive financial aid (74 percent and 79 percent,

respectively) and received more aid on average ($6,876 and $4,214, respectively) than

students at the 2-year level (48 percent received an average of $2,666; table 7.1a).36

• Consistent with financial aid policies, low-income dependent students (less than

$25,000) were much more likely to receive financial aid grants (75 percent) than were

middle and higher income students (30 to 50 percent; table 7.1b).

Employment Status While Enrolled in 1995–96

• In 1995–96, when students first began their postsecondary education, nearly onequarter (24 percent) worked full time while they were enrolled (table 7.2a).

 

35Being a single parent, having dependents, and being independent.

36These estimates include students at some less-than-2-year institutions that are not eligible for federal Title 4 financial aid.
Table Compendium

157

• Due in part to their likelihood of attending part time, students who began at the 2-year

level were more likely to work full time (34 percent) than were those who began in either less-than-2-year institutions (23 percent) or 4-year institutions (11 percent; table

7.2a).

• Nearly one-half (49 percent) of students attending less-than-2-year institutions did not

work when they first enrolled, compared with 37 percent of students enrolled in 4-year

institutions and 20 percent enrolled in 2-year institutions (table 7.2a).

• Three years after they began their postsecondary education, students who had attained

a postsecondary degree or certificate and then left postsecondary education were less

likely to have worked full time when they first began (24 percent) than were those who

left without attaining (39 percent; table 7.2a).

• Men were more likely than women to work full time when they first began their postsecondary education (27 percent versus 21 percent; table 7.2b).

Enrollment Versus Employment (Students’ Primary Role)

• About one-half of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students identified themselves

primarily as students working to meet school expenses, compared with about one in

five (19 percent) who identified themselves primarily as employees enrolled in school.

The remaining 31 percent of beginning students did not work when they first enrolled

(table 7.3a).37

• Among students in bachelor’s degree programs, a small percentage identified themselves primarily as employees enrolled in school (6 percent), compared with onequarter of those working toward an associate’s degree and one-third of those working

toward a vocational certificate (table 7.3a).

• How students identified themselves relative to their enrollment and employment

closely coincided with age. For example, nearly 60 percent of students 18 years or

younger identified themselves as students working to meet expenses, compared with

25 percent of those students ages 24–29 (table 7.3b).

Among students who worked to pay education expenses:

• Roughly one-quarter reported that their work schedule limited their participation in

classes. That is, 22 percent reported that work limited their choice of classes, 27 percent reported that work limited the number of classes they could take, and 29 percent

reported that their class schedule was limited due to work (table 7.4a).

• Among students who worked part time, 17 to 23 percent reported limitations on their

schooling due to work, compared with 43 to 53 percent of students working full time

while enrolled (table 7.4b).

 

37The percentage not working (31 percent) differs slightly from that in the previous table (30 percent reported in table 7.2) because of missing responses for the primary role question; thus, the sample is slightly smaller than in table 7.2.
Table Compendium

158

Among students whose primary role was work:

• Most reported being enrolled for personal interest (89 percent) or to learn new job

skills (83 percent). Just over three-quarters (78 percent) reported that they were enrolled to earn a degree or certificate (table 7.5a).

• Those attending 4-year institutions were more likely to report being enrolled to advance in their job (46 percent) than were those attending less-than-2-year institutions

(32 percent). Correspondingly, students attending less-than-2-year institutions were

more likely to report being enrolled to learn new job skills (89 percent) than were those

enrolled at the 4-year level (75 percent; table 7.5a).

• Men were more likely than women to report being enrolled for recreation (31 percent

versus 21 percent; table 7.5b).

Post-Enrollment Employment

Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were no longer enrolled as of

1998:

• Eighty-two percent were currently working, 10 percent were out of the labor force, and

7 percent were looking for work (table 7.6a).

• Black, non-Hispanic students were more likely to report looking for work (14 percent)

than were either white or Asian/Pacific Islander students (5 percent and 3 percent, respectively; table 7.6b).

• Dependent students from low-income families (less than $25,000) were more likely to

report looking for work than their counterparts from families with higher incomes (16

percent versus 4 to 6 percent; table 7.6b).

• Similarly, independent low-income students were more likely to report looking for

work than their counterparts with incomes of $15,000 or more (11 percent versus 2 to

3 percent; table 7.6b).

Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were no longer enrolled as of 1998

and who were working:

• Just over three-quarters (78 percent) were working full time and earning about $15,000

a year (the median full-time salary was $14,985) (table 7.7a).

• The median full-time salaries of students who had attained a certificate ($15,012) or an

associate’s degree ($16,577) were not measurably different from those who had left

without a degree ($15,078; table 7.7a).
Table Compendium

159

• Although it appears that in some fields those who did not complete a degree earned

higher starting salaries than those who did complete one, the sample sizes are too small

to conclude that these salaries actually differed (table 7.10).

• Those who had attained a degree or certificate were much more likely than those who

had not attained one to report the following perceived benefits gained from their postsecondary enrollment: a degree or certificate had been required for their job (30 percent versus 7 percent), enrollment enabled them to earn a higher salary (67 percent

versus 34 percent), and enrollment had given them the opportunity to increase their job

responsibilities (71 percent versus 45 percent; table 7.11).
Table 6.1a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, by level of first institution

Table 6.1a—attended, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Level of first institution

 4-year 2-year Less-than-2-year

 Total 41.1 50.2 8.7 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 8.3 49.7 42.0 

 Attained, enrolled 17.3 74.5 8.1 

 No degree, enrolled 61.3 37.7 1.0 

 No degree, not enrolled 23.4 66.9 9.7 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 46.7 49.0 4.4 

 Certificate 5.9 45.9 48.2 

 Associate’s degree 16.2 83.7 0.1 

Control of first institution

 Public 35.4 62.4 2.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 93.5 5.8 0.7 

 Private, for-profit 4.1 32.7 63.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 4.3 49.8 45.9 

 Associate’s degree 5.3 94.7 †

 Bachelor’s degree 100.0 † †

Degree goal at first institution

 None 20.5 64.4 15.1 

 Certificate 3.3 48.7 48.0 

 Associate’s degree 5.4 94.6 0.0 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 75.9 24.1 0.0 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 55.9 32.1 12.0 

 Mixed 29.1 67.3 3.6 

 Always part-time 9.6 84.1 6.3 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 43.0 48.2 8.8 

 Not continuously enrolled 31.1 60.9 8.1 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

160
Table 6.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, by level of first institution

Table 6.1b—attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Level of first institution

 4-year 2-year Less-than-2-year

 Total 41.1 50.2 8.7 

Gender

 Male 41.0 53.4 5.6 

 Female 41.2 47.7 11.1 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 55.9 41.3 2.8 

 19 years 34.2 57.1 8.6 

 20–23 years 22.4 58.6 19.0 

 24–29 years 10.0 74.0 16.0 

 30 or older 10.7 64.3 25.0 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 42.5 50.5 7.0 

 Black, non-Hispanic 34.6 51.0 14.4 

 Hispanic 34.6 53.1 12.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 53.3 38.3 8.4 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 30.5 50.6 18.9 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 52.3 44.3 3.4 

 Single, no children (independent) 17.9 63.6 18.5 

 Single with children 8.9 65.0 26.0 

 Married 12.5 65.0 22.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 28.6 58.4 13.0 

 Some postsecondary 37.6 55.6 6.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 51.1 45.7 3.2 

 Advanced degree 73.4 25.1 1.4 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 50.8 35.4 13.8 

 Student working to meet expenses 44.6 50.8 4.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 16.1 74.6 9.3 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 43.2 49.9 7.0 

 $25,000–44,999 46.0 50.0 4.0 

 $45,000–69,999 53.2 45.6 1.2 

 $70,000 or greater 67.3 31.6 1.2 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 14.1 59.4 26.5 

 $6,000–14,999 11.3 63.4 25.3 

 $15,000–24,999 9.7 75.9 14.4 

 $25,000 or greater 13.4 65.0 21.7 

_______

161
Table 6.1b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students, by level of first institution

Table 6.1b—attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

Table 6.1b——Continued

 Level of first institution

 4-year 2-year Less-than-2-year

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 69.3 28.6 2.1 

 One 31.7 61.4 6.9 

 Two or three 13.7 68.6 17.7 

 Four or more 10.6 72.1 17.3 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 54.0 43.0 3.0 

 Delayed 21.5 61.5 17.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 52.3 44.3 3.4 

 Independent 12.5 64.6 22.9 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 47.5 46.7 5.8 

 One or more 9.9 66.4 23.7 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 50.8 35.4 13.8 

 Worked part time 44.9 50.1 5.0 

 Worked full time 19.0 73.2 7.9 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

162
Table 6.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by control of first

Table 6.2a—institution attended, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Control of first institution

 Private, Private,

 Public not-for-profit for-profit

 Total 73.2 15.8 11.0 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 45.4 5.1 49.5 

 Attained, enrolled 78.0 10.1 11.9 

 No degree, enrolled 75.4 22.5 2.1 

 No degree, not enrolled 79.3 8.9 11.8 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 76.6 17.4 6.0 

 Certificate 47.2 3.6 49.3 

 Associate’s degree 72.6 11.3 16.1 

Level of first institution

 4-year 63.1 35.8 1.1 

 2-year 91.0 1.8 7.2 

 Less-than-2-year 18.8 1.3 80.0 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 52.4 3.0 44.6 

 Associate’s degree 91.3 3.4 5.2 

 Bachelor’s degree 63.1 36.1 0.8 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 75.1 9.0 16.0 

 Certificate 50.8 2.9 46.3 

 Associate’s degree 88.2 3.9 7.9 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 71.7 27.2 1.1 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 63.4 21.6 15.0 

 Mixed 84.2 10.3 5.5 

 Always part-time 89.6 3.6 6.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 72.3 16.6 11.1 

 Not continuously enrolled 79.7 10.3 10.0 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

163
Table 6.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by control of first

Table 6.2b—institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

Table 6.2b—enrolled

 Control of first institution

 Private, Private,

 Public not-for-profit for-profit

 Total 73.2 15.8 11.0 

Gender

 Male 76.9 15.5 7.6 

 Female 70.3 16.0 13.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 74.2 21.1 4.7 

 19 years 76.4 12.6 11.0 

 20–23 years 66.3 9.0 24.6 

 24–29 years 72.9 5.1 22.0 

 30 or older 71.0 5.4 23.6 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 75.3 16.2 8.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 68.9 13.1 18.0 

 Hispanic 68.7 13.6 17.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 71.6 18.8 9.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 69.9 9.4 20.7 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 74.9 19.7 5.4 

 Single, no children (independent) 70.1 8.3 21.6 

 Single with children 64.0 3.6 32.4 

 Married 71.5 6.4 22.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 74.1 10.2 15.8 

 Some postsecondary 77.5 13.8 8.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 77.4 17.5 5.1 

 Advanced degree 64.6 33.3 2.2 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 66.3 18.0 15.7 

 Student working to meet expenses 75.5 17.6 6.9 

 Employee who is enrolled 81.8 6.1 12.1 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 74.6 15.1 10.3 

 $25,000–44,999 75.7 17.9 6.4 

 $45,000–69,999 77.8 19.4 2.8 

 $70,000 or greater 71.6 26.6 1.8 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 59.1 8.5 32.5 

 $6,000–14,999 67.0 5.1 27.9 

 $15,000–24,999 79.2 5.3 15.5 

 $25,000 or greater 71.8 5.1 23.1 

_______

164
Table 6.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by control of first

Table 6.2b—institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

Table 6.2b—enrolled—Continued

 Control of first institution

 Private, Private,

 Public not-for-profit for-profit

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 69.3 27.0 3.8 

 One 79.1 10.8 10.1 

 Two or three 75.4 5.7 19.0 

 Four or more 73.7 4.9 21.4 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 74.3 20.5 5.2 

 Delayed 72.0 8.6 19.4 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 74.9 19.7 5.4 

 Independent 68.0 6.2 25.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 74.1 18.2 7.8 

 One or more 68.3 4.4 27.4 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 66.3 18.0 15.7 

 Worked part time 74.2 18.0 7.8 

 Worked full time 82.3 7.2 10.5 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

165
Table 6.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by level and control of

Table 6.3a—first institution attended, by institution type and attendance patterns

4-year 2-year

 Private, Private, Private, Private, Private,

not-for- for- not-for- for- for-

 Public profit profit Public profit profit Public profit

 Total 25.9 14.7 0.5 45.8 0.9 3.6 1.6 7.0 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 5.1 2.4 0.8 33.3 2.5 13.9 7.0 34.8 

 Attained, enrolled 9.3 7.5 0.5 67.6 2.3 4.9 1.3 6.6 

 No degree, enrolled 38.8 22.1 0.4 36.4 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.8 

 No degree, not enrolled 15.2 7.8 0.5 62.0 1.0 4.1 2.2 7.3 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 29.6 16.7 0.4 46.2 0.6 2.2 1.0 3.4 

 Certificate 3.5 2.2 0.3 35.9 1.1 9.0 7.9 40.1 

 Associate’s degree 8.9 6.0 1.3 63.6 5.3 14.8 0.1 0.0 

Level of first institution

 4-year 63.1 35.8 1.1 ††† ††

 2-year ††† 91.0 1.8 7.2 † †

 Less-than-2-year ††† ††† 19.0 81.0 

Control of first institution

 Public 35.4 † † 62.4 † † 2.2 †

 Private, not-for-profit † 94.2 † † 5.9 † ††

 Private, for-profit † † 4.1 † † 32.7 † 63.2 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 2.8 1.6 0.0 41.3 0.8 8.0 8.7 36.9 

 Associate’s degree 3.3 1.7 0.3 88.1 1.8 4.9 † †

 Bachelor’s degree 63.1 36.1 0.8 ††† ††

Degree goal at first institution

 None 12.8 7.3 0.5 59.2 1.4 3.9 3.2 11.7 

 Certificate 2.0 1.3 0.0 38.3 1.2 9.4 10.7 37.1 

 Associate’s degree 3.2 1.6 0.6 85.0 2.3 7.3 0.0 0.0 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 48.2 27.0 0.7 23.5 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 35.0 20.4 0.5 26.4 1.1 4.7 2.1 9.8 

 Mixed 19.2 9.6 0.4 64.1 0.7 2.5 0.9 2.6 

 Always part-time 6.4 2.9 0.3 82.0 0.5 1.7 1.4 4.8 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 26.9 15.7 0.5 43.7 0.8 3.7 1.8 6.9 

 Not continuously enrolled 21.7 9.1 0.4 56.8 1.1 3.0 1.3 6.7 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Less-than-2-year

Type of first institution

_______

166
Table 6.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by level and control of

Table 6.3b—first institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

Table 6.3b—enrolled

 4-year 2-year

Private, Private, Private, Private, Private,

 not-for- for- not-for- for- forPublic profit profit Public profit profit Public profit

 Total 25.9 14.7 0.5 45.8 0.9 3.6 1.6 7.0 

Gender

 Male 26.0 14.4 0.7 49.6 1.0 3.0 1.4 4.0 

 Female 25.8 15.1 0.3 42.7 0.9 4.2 1.8 9.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 35.3 20.4 0.3 38.4 0.7 2.2 0.6 2.2 

 19 years 22.1 11.5 0.7 52.7 1.1 3.4 1.7 6.9 

 20–23 years 14.5 7.1 0.8 50.0 1.9 6.8 1.9 17.1 

 24–29 years 5.5 4.1 0.4 65.0 0.9 8.2 2.5 13.4 

 30 or older 6.6 3.6 0.7 58.6 1.2 4.9 6.3 18.3 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 27.0 15.3 0.3 46.5 0.8 3.2 1.8 5.0 

 Black, non-Hispanic 22.0 12.2 0.4 45.3 0.7 5.1 1.7 12.6 

 Hispanic 21.2 12.3 1.2 46.8 1.2 5.3 0.8 11.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 35.0 17.5 0.8 35.1 1.3 1.9 1.5 6.9 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 26.0 4.0 0.6 43.4 5.0 2.4 0.8 17.9 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 33.0 18.9 0.4 41.2 0.8 2.4 0.7 2.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 10.9 6.2 0.8 56.6 1.7 5.5 2.8 15.4 

 Single with children 5.5 2.9 0.6 54.2 0.5 10.5 4.4 21.4 

 Married 7.9 4.4 0.3 59.2 1.7 4.4 4.7 17.5 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 19.2 8.9 0.6 52.7 1.1 4.7 2.4 10.4 

 Some postsecondary 24.5 12.7 0.3 51.2 1.0 3.4 1.8 5.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 34.1 16.7 0.3 42.7 0.7 2.3 0.7 2.5 

 Advanced degree 40.3 32.9 0.2 24.1 0.4 0.7 0.2 1.3 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 33.9 16.7 0.3 29.7 1.1 4.6 2.8 10.8 

 Student working to meet expenses 27.4 16.6 0.6 46.8 1.0 3.0 1.3 3.3 

 Employee who is enrolled 10.6 5.1 0.4 69.5 0.8 4.4 1.9 7.4 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 28.4 13.8 0.9 45.0 1.2 3.7 1.2 5.6 

 $25,000–44,999 28.4 17.2 0.4 46.3 0.7 3.0 1.0 3.1 

 $45,000–69,999 34.2 18.8 0.2 43.3 0.6 1.8 0.4 0.8 

 $70,000 or greater 41.1 26.0 0.2 30.2 0.7 0.8 0.3 0.9 

Type of first institution

Less-than-2-year

_______

167
Table 6.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by level and control of

Table 6.3b—first institution attended, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first

Table 6.3b—enrolled—Continued

 4-year 2-year

Private, Private, Private, Private, Private,

 not-for- for- not-for- for- forPublic profit profit Public profit profit Public profit

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 7.0 6.6 0.7 49.4 1.3 9.1 3.1 22.9 

 $6,000–14,999 7.1 3.8 0.3 54.9 1.2 7.4 5.1 20.2 

 $15,000–24,999 5.8 3.5 0.3 70.2 1.7 4.1 3.2 11.2 

 $25,000 or greater 9.0 3.6 0.8 57.9 0.9 6.6 5.4 15.8 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 42.7 26.2 0.4 26.1 0.7 1.8 0.5 1.6 

 One 21.6 9.6 0.5 56.4 1.1 4.0 1.2 5.6 

 Two or three 8.7 4.5 0.6 63.5 1.1 4.1 3.3 14.2 

 Four or more 6.7 3.4 0.5 63.9 1.2 7.2 3.3 13.7 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 33.9 19.8 0.4 39.9 0.7 2.4 0.6 2.4 

 Delayed 14.0 7.0 0.6 54.7 1.4 5.5 3.5 13.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 33.0 18.9 0.4 41.2 0.8 2.4 0.7 2.7 

 Independent 7.5 4.5 0.6 56.5 1.3 7.0 4.2 18.4 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 29.9 17.2 0.5 43.1 0.9 2.8 1.2 4.6 

 One or more 6.5 3.0 0.5 57.9 1.0 7.8 4.2 19.2 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 33.9 16.7 0.3 29.7 1.1 4.6 2.8 10.8 

 Worked part time 27.4 17.0 0.5 45.7 1.0 3.4 1.1 3.8 

 Worked full time 12.2 6.1 0.7 68.2 1.0 4.1 1.9 5.8 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Type of first institution

Less-than-2-year

_______

168
Table 6.4a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by gender, by institution

Table 6.4a—type and attendance patterns

 Male Female

 Total 45.5 54.5

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 36.4 63.6

 Attained, enrolled 50.1 49.9

 No degree, enrolled 47.1 52.9

 No degree, not enrolled 45.5 54.5

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 46.4 53.6

 Certificate 37.5 62.5

 Associate’s degree 46.4 53.6

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 45.6 54.4

 Private, not-for-profit 44.3 55.7

 Private, for-profit 64.7 35.3

 2-year

 Public 49.2 50.8

 Private, not-for-profit 48.2 51.8

 Private, for-profit 37.0 63.0

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 40.0 60.0

 Private, for-profit 26.7 73.3

Level of first institution

 4-year 45.4 54.6

 2-year 48.3 51.7

 Less-than-2-year 29.7 70.3

Control of first institution

 Public 47.8 52.3

 Private, not-for-profit 44.7 55.3

 Private, for-profit 31.7 68.3

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 36.8 63.2

 Associate’s degree 49.4 50.6

 Bachelor’s degree 45.5 54.5

Degree goal at first institution

 None 43.1 56.9

 Certificate 37.7 62.3

 Associate’s degree 45.4 54.6

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 47.0 53.0

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 45.9 54.1

 Mixed 45.0 55.0

 Always part-time 45.3 54.7

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 44.6 55.4

 Not continuously enrolled 50.4 49.6

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

169
Table 6.4b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by gender,

Table 6.4b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Male Female

 Total 45.5 54.5

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 45.1 54.9

 19 years 54.4 45.6

 20–23 years 50.7 49.3

 24–29 years 40.2 59.8

 30 or older 36.4 63.6

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 46.2 53.8

 Black, non-Hispanic 39.1 60.9

 Hispanic 45.8 54.2

 Asian/Pacific Islander 48.5 51.5

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 36.8 63.3

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 49.1 50.9

 Single, no children (independent) 49.1 50.9

 Single with children 19.5 80.5

 Married 38.8 61.2

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 42.8 57.3

 Some postsecondary 41.7 58.3

 Bachelor’s degree 52.8 47.3

 Advanced degree 47.8 52.2

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 41.4 58.6

 Student working to meet expenses 46.9 53.1

 Employee who is enrolled 44.0 56.0

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 47.3 52.7

 $25,000–44,999 45.8 54.2

 $45,000–69,999 52.7 47.3

 $70,000 or greater 51.0 49.1

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 32.0 68.0

 $6,000–14,999 36.1 63.9

 $15,000–24,999 43.4 56.6

 $25,000 or greater 33.1 66.9

_______

170
Table 6.4b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by gender,

Table 6.4b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Male Female

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 47.1 52.9

 One 48.3 51.7

 Two or three 50.5 49.5

 Four or more 31.2 68.8

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 46.2 53.8

 Delayed 44.9 55.1

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 49.1 50.9

 Independent 34.9 65.1

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 48.5 51.5

 One or more 28.5 71.5

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 41.4 58.6

 Worked part time 43.6 56.4

 Worked full time 51.8 48.2

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

171
Table 6.5a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by age when they began,

Table 6.5a—by institution type and attendance patterns

 18 years or 19 20–23 24–29 30 or

 younger years years years older

 

 Total 58.0 13.0 10.3 7.6 11.2 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 26.1 12.5 17.9 20.2 23.3 

 Attained, enrolled 65.9 8.2 11.8 5.5 8.6 

 No degree, enrolled 73.4 13.5 6.0 2.9 4.2 

 No degree, not enrolled 42.1 12.8 14.7 11.2 19.3 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 61.5 13.3 9.3 6.1 9.8 

 Certificate 24.5 10.3 18.7 21.5 25.1 

 Associate’s degree 69.1 12.9 8.0 4.0 6.0 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 78.8 11.0 5.8 1.6 2.8 

 Private, not-for-profit 80.1 10.1 5.0 2.1 2.7 

 Private, for-profit 42.0 18.6 17.2 6.4 15.8 

 2-year

 Public 48.7 15.0 11.3 10.8 14.3 

 Private, not-for-profit 41.1 15.4 21.5 7.3 14.8 

 Private, for-profit 35.8 12.2 19.5 17.4 15.1 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 20.7 13.3 11.8 11.6 42.6 

 Private, for-profit 18.1 12.9 25.4 14.5 29.2 

Level of first institution

 4-year 78.8 10.8 5.6 1.8 2.9 

 2-year 47.7 14.8 12.1 11.2 14.3 

 Less-than-2-year 18.6 12.9 22.5 13.9 32.1 

Control of first institution

 Public 58.7 13.5 9.4 7.5 10.9 

 Private, not-for-profit 77.4 10.4 5.9 2.4 3.8 

 Private, for-profit 24.8 12.9 23.1 15.1 24.0 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 23.1 11.8 18.5 19.1 27.5 

 Associate’s degree 53.4 15.5 11.4 7.8 12.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 80.5 10.7 5.1 1.6 2.2 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 42.9 14.0 11.2 7.7 24.1 

 Certificate 21.4 13.0 16.1 22.0 27.5 

 Associate’s degree 50.4 13.1 13.8 10.4 12.3 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 75.2 13.1 6.1 2.4 3.3 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 67.0 12.5 8.6 4.8 7.0 

 Mixed 58.8 15.2 11.6 6.8 7.7 

 Always part-time 20.6 9.6 14.8 19.8 35.2 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 58.7 12.1 8.9 8.3 12.2 

 Not continuously enrolled 52.8 17.2 18.4 4.3 7.3 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

172
Table 6.5b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by age when they began,

Table 6.5b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 18 years or 19 20–23 24–29 30 or

 younger years years years older

 Total 58.0 13.0 10.3 7.6 11.2 

Gender

 Male 57.5 15.5 11.4 6.7 9.0 

 Female 58.4 10.9 9.3 8.3 13.1 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 61.2 12.1 7.5 7.0 12.3 

 Black, non-Hispanic 46.4 13.0 18.4 13.3 9.0 

 Hispanic 55.0 14.7 15.2 5.8 9.3 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 57.1 14.1 12.5 9.2 7.2 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 32.2 20.0 20.7 7.8 19.3 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 76.9 15.5 7.6 0.0 0.0 

 Single, no children (independent) 14.3 6.2 16.0 34.6 28.9 

 Single with children 13.2 8.9 25.9 25.9 26.2 

 Married 2.5 2.5 12.3 26.4 56.4 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 45.7 11.6 13.2 10.6 19.0 

 Some postsecondary 61.7 16.1 10.0 8.8 3.4 

 Bachelor’s degree 68.4 17.4 7.5 3.6 3.1 

 Advanced degree 81.9 9.5 4.4 1.9 2.3 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 58.0 11.0 10.1 6.3 14.7 

 Student working to meet expenses 69.0 15.6 8.0 4.0 3.5 

 Employee who is enrolled 27.9 13.2 14.8 20.1 24.1 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 67.8 18.4 13.8 † †

 $25,000–44,999 77.0 15.9 7.1 † †

 $45,000–69,999 78.5 16.6 5.0 † †

 $70,000 or greater 85.1 10.8 4.1 † †

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 22.8 15.0 20.9 15.0 26.3 

 $6,000–14,999 4.8 5.1 22.2 35.9 32.0 

 $15,000–24,999 2.0 1.5 14.1 43.8 38.6 

 $25,000 or greater 0.5 0.7 8.1 19.8 71.0 

_______

173
Table 6.5b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by age when they began,

Table 6.5b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 18 years or 19 20–23 24–29 30 or

 younger years years years older

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 87.3 11.2 1.5 0.0 0.0 

 One 67.6 20.7 10.1 0.5 1.2 

 Two or three 27.8 14.7 23.3 12.5 21.7 

 Four or more 5.9 6.7 17.9 32.4 37.2 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 89.9 10.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 

 Delayed 5.2 18.5 27.4 19.9 29.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 76.9 15.5 7.6 0.0 0.0 

 Independent 7.9 5.9 17.0 29.4 39.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 68.0 14.0 8.7 4.0 5.2 

 One or more 8.4 6.5 19.6 27.4 38.2 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 58.0 11.0 10.1 6.3 14.7 

 Worked part time 69.9 14.9 7.0 3.3 4.9 

 Worked full time 30.9 13.2 16.8 18.7 20.5 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

†Students over 23 are independent by definition.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

174
Table 6.6a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by race/ethnicity,

Table 6.6a—by institution type and attendance patterns

 White, Black, Asian/ American

 non- non- Pacific Indian/

 Hispanic Hispanic Hispanic Islander Alaskan Native

 Total 68.9 11.5 14.1 4.6 0.9

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 67.2 13.9 16.3 2.1 0.5

 Attained, enrolled 68.9 14.5 13.2 3.1 0.3

 No degree, enrolled 70.8 8.8 13.9 5.7 0.8

 No degree, not enrolled 66.9 14.3 13.7 4.0 1.2

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 69.2 11.0 13.8 5.0 0.9

 Certificate 62.7 16.8 17.5 2.5 0.5

 Associate’s degree 77.5 8.9 10.0 3.1 0.5

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 71.6 9.7 11.5 6.3 0.9

 Private, not-for-profit 72.5 9.7 12.0 5.6 0.2

 Private, for-profit 42.3 9.5 38.4 8.7 1.1

 2-year

 Public 69.9 11.4 14.4 3.6 0.8

 Private, not-for-profit 61.9 9.2 17.7 6.5 4.7

 Private, for-profit 60.7 16.0 20.4 2.4 0.6

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 76.9 11.7 6.8 4.2 0.4

 Private, for-profit 49.6 20.7 22.9 4.6 2.2

Level of first institution

 4-year 71.6 9.7 12.0 6.0 0.6

 2-year 69.1 11.6 14.9 3.5 0.9

 Less-than-2-year 54.9 19.0 19.9 4.4 1.9

Control of first institution

 Public 70.7 10.8 13.2 4.5 0.8

 Private, not-for-profit 71.8 9.7 12.4 5.6 0.5

 Private, for-profit 53.0 18.7 22.7 4.0 1.6

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 59.0 18.0 18.7 3.2 1.2

 Associate’s degree 70.7 10.2 14.5 3.8 0.9

 Bachelor’s degree 71.8 9.7 11.5 6.4 0.7

Degree goal at first institution

 None 71.7 11.2 14.8 1.7 0.6

 Certificate 60.4 16.8 19.7 2.5 0.7

 Associate’s degree 71.0 12.0 12.0 4.3 0.6

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 68.6 10.9 13.4 6.3 0.9

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 71.2 10.7 13.0 4.4 0.9

 Mixed 65.3 13.0 15.3 5.5 0.8

 Always part-time 68.4 11.3 15.7 3.5 1.2

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 69.2 11.2 14.0 4.8 0.9

 Not continuously enrolled 67.9 12.8 14.7 3.7 0.9

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

175
Table 6.6b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by race/ethnicity,

Table 6.6b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 White, Black, Asian/ American

 non- non- Pacific Indian/

 Hispanic Hispanic Hispanic Islander Alaskan Native

 Total 68.9 11.5 14.1 4.6 0.9 

Gender

 Male 70.1 9.9 14.3 5.0 0.7 

 Female 67.8 12.8 14.1 4.4 1.0 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 72.5 9.2 13.3 4.6 0.5 

 19 years 65.5 11.8 16.2 5.1 1.4 

 20–23 years 50.8 20.8 21.0 5.7 1.8 

 24–29 years 62.8 20.0 10.8 5.6 0.9 

 30 or older 74.8 9.2 11.6 3.0 1.5 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 70.6 9.2 14.4 5.0 0.7 

 Single, no children (independent) 72.8 8.6 12.6 5.4 0.6 

 Single with children 49.8 31.0 15.8 1.3 2.0 

 Married 74.8 9.5 10.4 3.9 1.4 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 61.1 13.2 20.5 4.5 0.7 

 Some postsecondary 72.9 13.7 9.8 2.7 0.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 75.6 11.0 7.4 5.8 0.3 

 Advanced degree 81.6 5.1 5.5 6.0 1.8 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 65.3 12.8 14.6 6.7 0.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 70.9 10.5 13.2 4.5 0.9 

 Employee who is enrolled 69.1 14.7 13.2 2.1 1.0 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 49.8 16.4 24.2 8.7 1.0 

 $25,000–44,999 70.9 9.9 14.9 3.9 0.4 

 $45,000–69,999 81.7 6.1 8.9 2.9 0.5 

 $70,000 or greater 81.6 3.9 9.1 4.4 0.9 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 56.7 23.3 15.7 2.3 2.1 

 $6,000–14,999 68.5 17.3 9.8 3.6 0.8 

 $15,000–24,999 65.4 15.8 13.1 5.3 0.5 

 $25,000 or greater 73.0 11.5 10.9 2.6 2.1 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 74.4 8.1 11.3 5.6 0.5 

 One 66.4 10.6 18.0 4.3 0.8 

 Two or three 65.6 11.8 17.6 3.5 1.5 

 Four or more 62.9 20.4 11.7 3.6 1.4 

_______

176
Table 6.6b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by race/ethnicity,

Table 6.6b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 White, Black, Asian/ American

 non- non- Pacific Indian/

 Hispanic Hispanic Hispanic Islander Alaskan Native

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 72.0 9.0 13.9 4.5 0.6 

 Delayed 64.8 14.5 14.4 4.9 1.3 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 70.6 9.2 14.4 5.0 0.7 

 Independent 65.7 17.1 12.2 3.6 1.4 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 71.2 9.1 14.0 5.1 0.7 

 One or more 59.1 22.6 14.4 2.0 1.9 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 65.3 12.8 14.6 6.7 0.6 

 Worked part time 70.6 10.5 14.0 3.9 1.0 

 Worked full time 69.3 12.7 13.6 3.7 0.6 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

177
Table 6.7a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by marital and parental

Table 6.7a—status when they first began, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Single, no Single with Married with Married, no

 children children children children

 Total 80.7 9.1 6.4 3.9 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 56.6 19.3 13.6 10.5 

 Attained, enrolled 83.5 13.3 2.2 1.0 

 No degree, enrolled 92.5 3.9 2.2 1.5 

 No degree, not enrolled 69.1 13.2 11.6 6.1 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 83.6 7.5 5.7 3.2 

 Certificate 54.1 21.6 14.2 10.1 

 Associate’s degree 86.3 8.9 2.4 2.4 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 95.0 1.9 1.9 1.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 95.3 1.7 1.4 1.6 

 Private, for-profit 81.1 11.5 4.3 3.1 

 2-year

 Public 75.8 10.8 8.9 4.5 

 Private, not-for-profit 76.4 5.2 11.0 7.4 

 Private, for-profit 60.4 26.9 7.2 5.5 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 45.7 24.5 15.3 14.5 

 Private, for-profit 45.3 28.4 15.0 11.3 

Level of first institution

 4-year 95.0 1.9 1.7 1.4 

 2-year 74.7 11.8 8.8 4.7 

 Less-than-2-year 45.4 27.5 15.3 11.8 

Control of first institution

 Public 82.0 7.9 6.5 3.5 

 Private, not-for-profit 93.8 2.0 2.2 2.0 

 Private, for-profit 51.8 27.2 12.0 9.0 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 48.0 26.0 15.9 10.1 

 Associate’s degree 81.0 8.4 6.9 3.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 96.1 1.6 1.4 1.0 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 68.7 12.8 10.9 7.6 

 Certificate 49.7 23.4 16.5 10.5 

 Associate’s degree 75.3 12.7 7.9 4.1 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 94.2 2.6 1.9 1.3 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 86.3 7.5 3.6 2.7 

 Mixed 82.8 8.8 4.7 3.7 

 Always part-time 54.0 15.6 21.2 9.2 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 80.4 8.6 6.9 4.0 

 Not continuously enrolled 81.8 11.2 3.9 3.1 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

178
Table 6.7b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by marital and parental

Table 6.7b—status when they first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

Table 6.7b—first enrolled

 Single, no Single with Married with Married, no

 children children children children

 Total 80.7 9.1 6.4 3.9 

Gender

 Male 87.3 3.9 5.8 3.0 

 Female 75.1 13.4 6.9 4.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 97.5 2.0 0.2 0.3 

 19 years 91.7 6.3 1.5 0.5 

 20–23 years 65.3 22.6 6.6 5.5 

 24–29 years 33.7 30.7 24.8 10.9 

 30 or older 20.9 22.9 34.2 22.0 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 82.3 6.6 6.7 4.5 

 Black, non-Hispanic 65.9 25.3 6.2 2.7 

 Hispanic 82.0 10.3 5.7 2.0 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 88.5 2.6 4.3 4.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 63.1 21.0 12.0 3.9 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 72.0 12.6 9.9 5.5 

 Some postsecondary 83.8 9.6 4.3 2.3 

 Bachelor’s degree 91.6 5.1 1.4 1.9 

 Advanced degree 94.8 2.7 1.3 1.2 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 78.0 11.0 5.5 5.5 

 Student working to meet expenses 90.3 5.0 3.1 1.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 59.0 17.4 16.1 7.5 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 100.0 †††

 $25,000–44,999 100.0 †††

 $45,000–69,999 100.0 †††

 $70,000 or greater 100.0 †††

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 33.1 54.9 7.4 4.7 

 $6,000–14,999 32.8 41.6 17.1 8.5 

 $15,000–24,999 27.8 29.8 27.5 14.8 

 $25,000 or greater 7.2 11.5 48.3 33.0 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

 One 99.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 

 Two or three 68.6 7.7 10.3 13.3 

 Four or more 17.9 47.4 27.8 7.0 

_______

179
Table 6.7b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by marital and parental

Table 6.7b—status when they first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

Table 6.7b—first enrolled—Continued

 Single, no Single with Married with Married, no

 children children children children

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 97.6 2.0 0.2 0.2 

 Delayed 53.3 20.2 16.5 10.0 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 78.0 11.0 5.5 5.5 

 Worked part time 89.0 5.4 3.0 2.7 

 Worked full time 65.0 14.4 15.5 5.2 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

†Married students and students with children are independent by definition.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

180
Table 6.8a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by family income in 1994,

Table 6.8a—by institution type and attendance patterns

 Less than $25,000– $45,000– $70,000 or

 $25,000 44,999 69,999 greater

 Total 26.7 24.2 24.2 24.8 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 38.1 29.7 17.9 14.3 

 Attained, enrolled 33.0 21.4 26.2 19.4 

 No degree, enrolled 23.1 23.0 24.0 30.0 

 No degree, not enrolled 32.1 26.1 26.6 15.2 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 25.6 23.9 24.6 25.9 

 Certificate 41.4 29.5 17.6 11.5 

 Associate’s degree 30.7 24.6 24.5 20.2 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 23.0 20.9 25.1 31.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 19.6 22.0 24.2 34.2 

 Private, for-profit 58.8 19.9 10.9 10.3 

 2-year

 Public 29.2 27.2 25.5 18.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 41.2 21.5 16.8 20.6 

 Private, for-profit 42.5 30.9 18.4 8.3 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 45.3 31.6 13.4 9.6 

 Private, for-profit 56.6 27.9 7.4 8.2 

Level of first institution

 4-year 22.1 21.3 24.7 32.0 

 2-year 30.1 27.3 24.9 17.7 

 Less-than-2-year 54.5 28.5 8.6 8.4 

Control of first institution

 Public 26.6 24.4 25.2 23.7 

 Private, not-for-profit 20.6 22.0 23.9 33.6 

 Private, for-profit 50.7 28.5 12.4 8.4 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 45.5 26.6 15.8 12.1 

 Associate’s degree 29.2 27.8 25.2 17.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 21.3 20.7 25.0 33.1 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 23.6 28.6 31.1 16.7 

 Certificate 42.8 31.6 17.2 8.4 

 Associate’s degree 31.9 26.7 25.4 16.0 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 22.8 22.7 24.4 30.0 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 26.2 22.6 23.6 27.5 

 Mixed 27.1 26.5 25.5 20.9 

 Always part-time 30.8 25.7 25.5 18.0 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 26.2 23.4 24.2 26.2 

 Not continuously enrolled 29.9 27.7 25.4 17.0 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Dependent family income in 1994

_______

181
Table 6.8b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by family income in 1994,

Table 6.8b—by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Less than $25,000– $45,000– $70,000

 $25,000 44,999 69,999 or greater

 Total 26.7 24.2 24.2 24.8 

Gender

 Male 25.8 22.5 26.0 25.8 

 Female 27.7 25.8 22.6 24.0 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 23.6 24.1 24.8 27.5 

 19 years 31.9 24.8 25.9 17.4 

 20–23 years 48.4 22.5 15.8 13.4 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 18.8 24.3 28.3 28.7 

 Black, non-Hispanic 47.2 26.0 16.2 10.6 

 Hispanic 44.5 25.0 15.0 15.6 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 45.7 18.7 13.8 21.8 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 36.2 12.7 17.9 33.2 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 41.2 26.5 22.0 10.3 

 Some postsecondary 24.1 28.8 29.1 18.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 19.9 24.2 26.0 29.9 

 Advanced degree 8.3 14.2 23.4 54.0 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 28.9 18.9 21.9 30.4 

 Student working to meet expenses 23.8 26.6 27.5 22.1 

 Employee who is enrolled 27.3 29.1 25.7 18.0 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 23.7 22.1 25.5 28.8 

 One 31.1 28.8 21.8 18.4 

 Two or three 32.8 25.5 22.9 18.9 

 Four or more ————

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 24.2 24.0 24.9 26.9 

 Delayed 37.9 24.6 21.0 16.5 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 28.9 18.9 21.9 30.4 

 Worked part time 25.1 26.1 26.9 21.9 

 Worked full time 25.4 29.9 24.9 19.8 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Dependent family income in 1994

_______

182
Table 6.9a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by student income in 1994,

Table 6.9a—by institution type and attendance patterns

 Less than $6,000– $15,000– $25,000

 $6,000 14,999 24,999 or greater

 Total 25.2 25.8 24.2 24.8

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 22.4 29.3 29.4 19.0

 Attained, enrolled 37.1 15.6 32.2 15.2

 No degree, enrolled 26.7 28.0 22.4 22.9

 No degree, not enrolled 25.1 23.9 22.3 28.7

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 25.5 25.2 22.3 27.0

 Certificate 23.9 26.0 31.5 18.7

 Associate’s degree 26.7 36.6 19.1 17.6

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 24.2 25.6 19.6 30.6

 Private, not-for-profit 37.7 22.6 19.2 20.5

 Private, for-profit ————

 2-year

 Public 21.4 24.5 29.4 24.7

 Private, not-for-profit 25.7 23.8 33.0 17.6

 Private, for-profit 33.6 28.1 14.4 23.9

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 18.6 31.0 18.6 31.8

 Private, for-profit 32.8 29.6 15.4 22.2

Level of first institution

 4-year 29.4 24.0 19.3 27.3

 2-year 22.8 24.8 27.9 24.5

 Less-than-2-year 30.3 29.6 15.8 24.3

Control of first institution

 Public 21.6 25.0 27.7 25.7

 Private, not-for-profit 35.8 22.1 21.3 20.9

 Private, for-profit 33.0 28.9 15.1 23.0

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 23.1 25.6 26.6 24.8

 Associate’s degree 26.7 26.8 22.5 24.0

 Bachelor’s degree 29.0 21.6 20.7 28.8

Degree goal at first institution

 None 27.0 23.7 20.1 29.2

 Certificate 21.1 28.5 27.9 22.5

 Associate’s degree 24.8 25.1 22.9 27.3

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 31.1 26.5 17.2 25.2

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 34.1 29.0 17.3 19.6

 Mixed 29.9 29.1 25.6 15.4

 Always part-time 11.9 19.5 31.4 37.2

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 23.8 25.4 25.0 25.7

 Not continuously enrolled 33.7 27.3 20.5 18.5

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Independent student income in 1994

_______

183
Table 6.9b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by student income

Table 6.9b—in 1994, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Less than $6,000– $15,000– $25,000

 $6,000 14,999 24,999 or greater

 Total 25.2 25.8 24.2 24.8 

Gender

 Male 22.4 25.8 29.1 22.7 

 Female 26.9 25.8 21.4 25.9 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 75.9 16.3 6.3 1.5 

 19 years 67.4 23.3 6.5 2.9 

 20–23 years 32.1 34.9 20.9 12.2 

 24–29 years 13.3 32.4 37.1 17.2 

 30 or older 15.9 19.7 22.4 42.0 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 21.6 26.9 24.1 27.4 

 Black, non-Hispanic 34.5 26.3 22.5 16.7 

 Hispanic 31.9 20.5 25.8 21.8 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 16.6 27.4 37.4 18.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children 32.8 34.4 26.0 6.8 

 Single with children 39.8 31.9 20.4 8.0 

 Married 7.7 17.3 25.4 49.6 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 21.9 22.1 28.1 27.9 

 Some postsecondary 34.0 27.9 16.6 21.5 

 Bachelor’s degree 27.7 36.3 22.4 13.6 

 Advanced degree 30.1 25.2 17.5 27.2 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 34.2 29.9 15.4 20.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 35.5 26.1 18.9 19.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 10.7 20.9 30.7 37.7 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 One 55.7 16.7 1.0 26.5 

 Two or three 24.8 26.2 25.7 23.3 

 Four or more 24.1 27.4 23.8 24.7 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 72.5 18.6 7.3 1.6 

 Delayed 20.1 26.9 26.7 26.2 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 23.6 27.3 25.1 24.0 

 One or more 26.5 26.4 22.9 24.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 34.2 29.9 15.4 20.6 

 Worked part time 32.5 22.5 23.8 21.2 

 Worked full time 13.4 25.8 27.9 33.0 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents; 4) work

full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with GED/Alternative

credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Independent student income in 1994

_______

184
Table 6.10a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by number of attrition

Table 6.10a—risk factors when first began, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Two Four

 None One or three or more

 Total 45.3 19.2 19.4 16.1 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 20.3 17.9 32.0 29.8 

 Attained, enrolled 54.0 15.3 14.1 16.7 

 No degree, enrolled 63.0 19.6 10.9 6.4 

 No degree, not enrolled 23.4 19.4 29.7 27.5 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 47.9 19.6 18.1 14.4 

 Certificate 16.0 15.4 34.8 33.8 

 Associate’s degree 61.1 19.4 9.2 10.4 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 73.7 15.8 6.4 4.1 

 Private, not-for-profit 78.5 12.2 5.7 3.7 

 Private, for-profit 33.9 21.8 26.0 18.4 

 2-year

 Public 26.2 23.9 27.2 22.7 

 Private, not-for-profit 34.8 23.2 22.0 19.9 

 Private, for-profit 23.3 21.5 22.5 32.7 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 13.2 14.3 39.8 32.8 

 Private, for-profit 10.7 15.9 40.7 32.7 

Level of first institution

 4-year 75.0 14.5 6.4 4.1 

 2-year 26.1 23.8 26.8 23.4 

 Less-than-2-year 11.2 15.6 40.3 32.9 

Control of first institution

 Public 43.0 20.8 20.0 16.3 

 Private, not-for-profit 75.5 12.8 6.8 4.9 

 Private, for-profit 15.9 18.0 34.1 32.1 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 12.2 15.9 34.8 37.1 

 Associate’s degree 30.9 25.1 25.1 18.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 77.1 14.4 5.6 2.9 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 27.1 16.1 29.7 27.1 

 Certificate 10.9 15.2 35.5 38.4 

 Associate’s degree 30.5 20.5 24.6 24.4 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 64.9 18.6 11.3 5.2 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 65.2 14.8 12.5 7.5 

 Mixed 29.4 29.6 25.3 15.7 

 Always part-time 0.2 14.6 33.9 51.3 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 47.0 18.8 17.9 16.4 

 Not continuously enrolled 36.5 21.1 27.1 15.3 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents; 4) work

full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with GED/Alternative

credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

_______

185
Table 6.10b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by number of attrition

Table 6.10b—risk factors when first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

Table 6.10b—first enrolled

 Two Four

 None One or three or more

 Total 45.3 19.2 19.4 16.1 

Gender

 Male 47.0 20.4 21.5 11.1 

 Female 43.9 18.2 17.6 20.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 67.2 22.1 9.1 1.6 

 19 years 39.2 30.6 21.9 8.3 

 20–23 years 6.9 19.3 45.0 28.8 

 24–29 years 0.0 1.1 31.2 67.7 

 30 or older 0.0 2.2 40.3 57.6 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 48.7 18.3 18.2 14.8 

 Black, non-Hispanic 32.6 18.0 20.1 29.4 

 Hispanic 37.0 24.9 24.4 13.8 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 55.0 17.8 14.6 12.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 26.7 16.3 32.1 24.9 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 61.4 25.0 13.2 0.5 

 Single, no children (independent) 0.0 8.6 53.3 38.1 

 Single with children 0.0 0.0 16.4 83.6 

 Married 0.0 1.8 44.2 54.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 32.6 20.1 23.9 23.5 

 Some postsecondary 45.0 21.9 17.4 15.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 59.3 19.0 14.2 7.5 

 Advanced degree 71.1 16.2 8.7 4.0 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 54.2 13.3 19.7 12.8 

 Student working to meet expenses 49.1 24.4 17.3 9.2 

 Employee who is enrolled 14.1 12.6 29.9 43.5 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 54.3 29.0 16.2 0.6 

 $25,000–44,999 56.1 29.7 13.9 0.3 

 $45,000–69,999 64.7 22.5 12.5 0.3 

 $70,000 or greater 70.9 18.5 10.0 0.6 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

_______

186
Table 6.10b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students by number of attrition

Table 6.10b—risk factors when first began, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when

Table 6.10b—first enrolled—Continued

 Two Four

 None One or three or more

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 0.0 6.4 36.1 57.5 

 $6,000–14,999 0.0 1.8 36.2 62.0 

 $15,000–24,999 0.0 0.1 39.7 60.2 

 $25,000 or greater 0.0 3.2 35.3 61.5 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 67.7 22.2 8.8 1.3 

 Delayed 0.0 15.4 39.9 44.7 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 61.4 25.0 13.2 0.5 

 Independent 0.0 2.9 36.8 60.3 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 53.7 22.8 18.8 4.8 

 One or more 0.0 0.0 22.4 77.6 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 54.2 13.3 19.7 12.8 

 Worked part time 58.1 22.5 13.0 6.4 

 Worked full time 0.0 18.1 36.7 45.2 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

_______

187
Table 7.1a—Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid and among

Table 7.1a—student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by institution type and attendance

Table 7.1a—patterns

 Total Total

 Received Received financial Total student

 financial Received student aid grant loan

 aid grants loans amount amount amount

 Total 61.2 50.7 30.7 $4,924 $3,057 $3,095 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 68.9 52.5 39.5 4,688 2,229 3,858 

 Attained, enrolled 64.5 53.6 26.8 4,602 2,521 3,187 

 No degree, enrolled 61.9 52.3 33.5 5,954 3,973 2,964 

 No degree, not enrolled 57.3 47.8 23.7 3,271 1,863 2,928 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 60.0 50.4 29.8 4,977 3,203 2,953 

 Certificate 67.4 50.9 34.1 4,234 1,989 3,835 

 Associate’s degree 66.3 56.8 35.9 5,232 2,663 3,528 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 68.8 53.7 40.4 4,816 2,967 2,724 

 Private, not-for-profit 81.2 74.1 57.1 9,961 6,359 3,392 

 Private, for-profit 86.2 70.4 65.5 5,796 2,106 4,381 

 2-year

 Public 44.0 37.9 10.2 2,112 1,510 2,273 

 Private, not-for-profit 81.8 71.4 49.7 5,439 2,991 3,583 

 Private, for-profit 89.7 67.9 69.2 5,420 2,101 3,721 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 67.8 53.5 4.9 1,843 1,520 —

 Private, for-profit 81.2 59.7 54.1 4,696 2,023 3,889 

Level of first institution

 4-year 73.5 61.2 46.7 6,876 4,433 3,044 

 2-year 48.0 40.7 15.2 2,666 1,629 2,831 

 Less-than-2-year 78.7 58.7 44.2 4,214 1,952 3,880 

Control of first institution

 Public 53.3 43.9 20.8 3,342 2,143 2,591 

 Private, not-for-profit 81.2 73.9 56.4 9,653 6,145 3,401 

 Private, for-profit 84.3 62.9 59.6 4,997 2,055 3,847 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 66.9 53.4 29.4 3,704 1,879 3,741 

 Associate’s degree 47.9 40.4 17.1 2,932 1,811 2,718 

 Bachelor’s degree 73.2 61.0 46.7 6,945 4,500 3,048 

_______

188
Table 7.1a—Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid and among

Table 7.1a—student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by institution type and attendance

Table 7.1a—patterns—Continued

 Total Total

 Received Received financial Total student

 financial Received student aid grant loan

 aid grants loans amount amount amount

Degree goal at first institution

 None 54.1 44.6 23.0 $3,205 $1,661 $2,927 

 Certificate 66.0 51.1 31.9 3,735 1,678 3,681 

 Associate’s degree 53.5 46.1 17.9 3,103 1,922 2,834 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 67.1 56.2 39.3 6,364 4,161 3,087 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 72.2 59.5 40.9 5,657 3,520 3,142 

 Mixed 53.5 44.3 24.0 4,260 2,707 2,951 

 Always part-time 36.3 32.3 5.6 1,372 879 2,922 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 62.4 51.7 31.5 5,098 3,191 3,107 

 Not continuously enrolled 55.8 46.7 26.0 3,879 2,316 2,996 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

189
Table 7.1b—Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid and among

Table 7.1b—student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by demographic characteristics and

Table 7.1b—persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Total Total

 Received Received financial Total student

 financial Received student aid grant loan

 aid grants loans amount amount amount

 Total 61.2 50.7 30.7 $4,924 $3,057 $3,095 

Gender

 Male 57.2 46.4 30.8 5,091 3,029 3,081 

 Female 64.4 54.3 30.6 4,800 3,076 3,107 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 61.1 51.3 33.1 5,839 3,760 3,005 

 19 years 60.1 48.8 35.9 4,626 2,787 2,693 

 20–23 years 65.5 54.2 29.1 3,668 2,040 3,279 

 24–29 years 66.4 56.0 22.7 2,794 1,454 3,784 

 30 or older 55.6 43.5 19.2 3,145 1,672 3,980 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 57.9 46.4 29.9 4,944 3,023 3,059 

 Black, non-Hispanic 74.7 64.1 36.2 4,566 2,776 3,137 

 Hispanic 65.5 59.5 29.8 4,840 3,080 3,103 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 70.2 60.3 35.7 5,745 3,985 3,249 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 54.2 49.1 37.7 5,229 2,629 —

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 59.1 48.8 32.7 5,588 3,589 2,886 

 Single, no children (independent) 67.6 53.7 30.2 3,975 1,977 4,267 

 Single with children 83.2 75.2 27.0 3,288 1,840 3,792 

 Married 55.8 44.1 20.0 2,858 1,635 3,626 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 68.6 58.1 32.3 4,300 2,640 3,170 

 Some postsecondary 56.0 47.9 27.3 4,664 2,645 3,090 

 Bachelor’s degree 58.1 46.9 33.1 5,468 3,586 3,005 

 Advanced degree 54.0 42.9 29.7 7,124 4,735 3,028 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 71.1 59.9 34.3 4,942 3,062 3,054 

 Student working to meet expenses 61.6 51.4 34.3 5,638 3,559 3,112 

 Employee who is enrolled 49.4 40.4 16.9 2,713 1,474 3,342 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 77.2 74.6 35.6 5,185 3,504 2,742 

 $25,000–44,999 59.4 50.1 36.6 6,037 3,702 3,001 

 $45,000–69,999 55.7 38.4 36.3 5,696 3,599 2,885 

 $70,000 or greater 42.7 29.8 22.4 5,629 3,618 2,952 

_______

190
Table 7.1b—Percentage of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who received financial aid and among

Table 7.1b—student aid recipients, the amount received in 1995–96, by demographic characteristics and

Table 7.1b—persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Total Total

 Received Received financial Total student

 financial Received student aid grant loan

 aid grants loans amount amount amount

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 84.3 78.0 37.8 $4,020 $2,218 $3,916 

 $6,000–14,999 73.6 59.8 24.5 3,291 1,732 3,858 

 $15,000–24,999 57.0 50.3 17.8 2,904 1,566 3,544 

 $25,000 or greater 46.8 31.2 16.2 2,599 1,295 4,208 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 68.9 57.4 41.0 6,372 4,156 2,907 

 One 51.0 42.7 23.6 4,093 2,457 2,997 

 Two or three 48.0 35.6 22.4 3,603 1,955 3,539 

 Four or more 69.8 61.7 20.4 2,760 1,483 3,749 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 60.8 51.1 33.4 5,790 3,708 2,970 

 Delayed 62.5 50.8 26.7 3,584 2,005 3,363 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 59.1 48.8 32.7 5,588 3,589 2,886 

 Independent 68.4 57.4 25.0 3,322 1,810 3,885 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 59.4 48.6 32.0 5,350 3,385 3,021 

 One or more 73.1 64.2 23.8 3,079 1,753 3,675 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 71.1 59.9 34.3 4,942 3,062 3,054 

 Worked part time 61.0 50.1 34.6 5,755 3,693 3,104 

 Worked full time 50.5 42.6 18.0 2,884 1,530 3,267 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

191
Table 7.2a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the

Table 7.2a—average number of hours worked while enrolled when they first began, by institution type

Table 7.2a—and attendance patterns

 Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work Worked part time Worked full time

 Total 29.5 46.9 23.6

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 36.9 38.7 24.4

 Attained, enrolled 23.7 55.6 20.8

 No degree, enrolled 31.6 54.1 14.3

 No degree, not enrolled 24.4 36.9 38.7

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 28.8 47.5 23.7

 Certificate 36.9 34.9 28.2

 Associate’s degree 25.1 61.0 14.0

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 38.8 50.0 11.2

 Private, not-for-profit 34.3 55.7 10.0

 Private, for-profit 17.5 50.5 32.1

 2-year

 Public 18.9 46.4 34.7

 Private, not-for-profit 32.4 44.7 22.9

 Private, for-profit 34.8 40.8 24.4

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 45.2 29.6 25.3

 Private, for-profit 50.2 28.3 21.5

Level of first institution

 4-year 37.0 52.0 11.0

 2-year 20.4 45.9 33.7

 Less-than-2-year 49.3 28.4 22.4

Control of first institution

 Public 26.5 47.2 26.3

 Private, not-for-profit 34.4 54.7 11.0

 Private, for-profit 43.2 33.9 23.0

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 35.7 31.7 32.6

 Associate’s degree 20.1 48.8 31.2

 Bachelor’s degree 37.6 52.3 10.1

Degree goal at first institution

 None 30.0 38.2 31.8

 Certificate 34.6 31.8 33.6

 Associate’s degree 19.9 46.7 33.4

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 33.0 53.6 13.5

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 37.2 50.8 12.1

 Mixed 25.4 51.1 23.5

 Always part-time 10.3 25.4 64.3

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 30.4 47.1 22.6

 Not continuously enrolled 24.7 45.9 29.3

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

192
Table 7.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the average

Table 7.2b—number of hours worked while enrolled when they first began, by demographic characteristics

Table 7.2b—and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work Worked part time Worked full time

 Total 29.5 46.9 23.6 

Gender

 Male 27.2 45.6 27.2 

 Female 31.4 48.0 20.6 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 30.0 57.4 12.7 

 19 years 24.3 52.4 23.3 

 20–23 years 29.3 32.1 38.6 

 24–29 years 23.8 20.1 56.2 

 30 or older 37.8 20.2 42.1 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 27.7 48.4 24.0 

 Black, non-Hispanic 31.8 42.4 25.8 

 Hispanic 30.1 46.9 23.0 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 41.9 39.2 18.9 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 21.2 60.5 18.4 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 28.1 55.8 16.1 

 Single, no children (independent) 34.0 17.3 48.7 

 Single with children 35.3 27.8 36.9 

 Married 30.2 24.6 45.2 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 29.4 42.7 27.9 

 Some postsecondary 24.0 52.3 23.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 29.9 50.8 19.3 

 Advanced degree 36.3 53.5 10.3 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Student working to meet expenses † 78.8 21.2 

 Employee who is enrolled † 37.6 62.4 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 31.0 53.4 15.6 

 $25,000–44,999 21.5 59.0 19.5 

 $45,000–69,999 24.5 59.6 15.9 

 $70,000 or greater 35.7 51.0 13.3 

_______

193
Table 7.2b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to the average

Table 7.2b—number of hours worked while enrolled when they first began, by demographic characteristics

Table 7.2b—and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work Worked part time Worked full time

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 45.4 31.5 23.2 

 $6,000–14,999 37.4 20.6 42.1 

 $15,000–24,999 22.2 25.2 52.6 

 $25,000 or greater 26.0 19.6 54.4 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 36.9 63.1 0.0 

 One 20.9 56.4 22.7 

 Two or three 28.1 29.8 42.1 

 Four or more 21.6 17.2 61.2 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 29.8 57.4 12.8 

 Delayed 28.4 30.6 41.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 28.1 55.8 16.1 

 Independent 32.9 23.7 43.4 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 29.2 51.2 19.6 

 One or more 30.8 24.8 44.4 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

194
Table 7.3a—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to how they

Table 7.3a—identified their enrollment and employment relationship when they first began, by institution

Table 7.3a—type and attendance patterns

 Did not work Student working Employee who

 while enrolled to meet expenses is enrolled

 Total 31.4 49.5 19.1 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 40.3 34.7 25.1 

 Attained, enrolled 25.6 55.3 19.1 

 No degree, enrolled 33.4 56.7 9.9 

 No degree, not enrolled 26.0 42.0 32.0 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 30.6 51.1 18.3 

 Certificate 40.7 32.5 26.8 

 Associate’s degree 26.7 54.6 18.7 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 40.6 51.8 7.7 

 Private, not-for-profit 36.4 56.9 6.7 

 Private, for-profit 19.0 63.1 17.9 

 2-year

 Public 20.4 50.7 29.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 35.2 49.0 15.7 

 Private, for-profit 38.6 39.5 22.0 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 46.4 34.7 18.9 

 Private, for-profit 52.9 25.3 21.8 

Level of first institution

 4-year 38.8 53.7 7.5 

 2-year 22.1 49.8 28.2 

 Less-than-2-year 51.6 27.1 21.2 

Control of first institution

 Public 28.2 50.6 21.2 

 Private, not-for-profit 36.5 56.0 7.5 

 Private, for-profit 46.3 32.0 21.7 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 38.2 28.7 33.2 

 Associate’s degree 21.6 54.3 24.1 

 Bachelor’s degree 39.5 54.1 6.4 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 31.9 38.5 29.6 

 Certificate 37.8 29.1 33.1 

 Associate’s degree 21.6 52.9 25.5 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 34.5 56.3 9.2 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 39.1 50.6 10.3 

 Mixed 27.4 57.9 14.7 

 Always part-time 11.1 29.3 59.6 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 32.3 49.2 18.6 

 Not continuously enrolled 26.7 50.7 22.6 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

195
Table 7.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to how they

Table 7.3b—identified their enrollment and employment relationship when they first began, by demographic

Table 7.3b—characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Did not work Student working Employee who

 while enrolled to meet expenses is enrolled

 Total 31.4 49.5 19.1 

Gender

 Male 29.2 52.0 18.8 

 Female 33.3 47.4 19.3 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 31.7 59.1 9.2 

 19 years 25.3 56.3 18.4 

 20–23 years 32.0 39.7 28.3 

 24–29 years 25.5 25.2 49.3 

 30 or older 42.2 15.8 42.0 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 29.5 51.2 19.3 

 Black, non-Hispanic 33.1 43.5 23.5 

 Hispanic 33.2 48.2 18.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 44.1 47.3 8.6 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 21.9 54.7 23.4 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 29.8 58.5 11.8 

 Single, no children (independent) 36.4 28.9 34.7 

 Single with children 37.3 27.1 35.6 

 Married 33.7 22.7 43.6 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 30.4 42.5 27.1 

 Some postsecondary 24.2 57.8 18.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 30.1 58.3 11.7 

 Advanced degree 36.4 55.9 7.7 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 33.4 54.1 12.5 

 $25,000–44,999 22.9 63.2 13.9 

 $45,000–69,999 25.4 62.8 11.8 

 $70,000 or greater 37.6 53.6 8.8 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 47.9 35.7 16.3 

 $6,000–14,999 41.9 26.2 31.9 

 $15,000–24,999 24.6 21.8 53.6 

 $25,000 or greater 27.1 18.6 54.3 

_______

196
Table 7.3b—Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students according to how they

Table 7.3b—identified their enrollment and employment relationship when they first began, by demographic

Table 7.3b—characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Did not work Student working Employee who

 while enrolled to meet expenses is enrolled

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 38.6 55.4 6.0 

 One 22.4 64.9 12.7 

 Two or three 30.2 42.1 27.7 

 Four or more 23.8 27.3 48.9 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 31.5 59.2 9.4 

 Delayed 30.8 34.3 35.0 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 31.0 54.1 14.9 

 One or more 33.2 26.0 40.7 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 29.8 58.5 11.8 

 Independent 35.7 25.9 38.4 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Worked part time † 84.5 15.6 

 Worked full time † 46.9 53.1 

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

197
Table 7.4a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as students who

Table 7.4a—work to meet expenses, the percentage who reported various limitations that work placed on

Table 7.4a—school schedule, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Limits choice of Limits number of classes Limits class

 classes 1995–96 could take 1995–96 schedule 1995–96

 Total 22.3 27.0 29.4

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 13.3 17.9 19.6

 Attained, enrolled 21.0 26.6 25.3

 No degree, enrolled 20.2 23.6 26.9

 No degree, not enrolled 29.1 35.6 37.6

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 23.2 27.8 30.6

 Certificate 17.5 25.5 25.5

 Associate’s degree 12.5 14.1 15.9

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 21.1 24.5 27.5

 Private, not-for-profit 12.5 13.1 15.7

 Private, for-profit 19.3 14.5 18.9

 2-year

 Public 27.1 34.8 36.6

 Private, not-for-profit 21.9 18.4 17.1

 Private, for-profit 15.3 16.0 18.5

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 13.4 20.9 24.3

 Private, for-profit 24.4 23.9 29.4

Level of first institution

 4-year 17.9 20.1 23.0

 2-year 26.3 33.3 35.2

 Less-than-2-year 21.2 23.0 28.0

Control of first institution

 Public 24.7 30.8 33.1

 Private, not-for-profit 13.0 13.4 15.8

 Private, for-profit 20.0 19.7 23.8

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 23.4 26.7 29.1

 Associate’s degree 26.0 33.0 35.0

 Bachelor’s degree 17.8 20.1 23.0

Degree goal at first institution

 None 21.9 27.2 28.9

 Certificate 25.6 26.2 29.7

 Associate’s degree 26.9 35.3 36.6

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 19.5 22.8 25.8

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 17.1 17.9 22.7

 Mixed 24.4 31.8 32.0

 Always part-time 45.3 61.0 59.1

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 21.6 25.2 27.9

 Not continuously enrolled 24.9 34.1 35.8

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

198
Table 7.4b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as students who

Table 7.4b—work to meet expenses, the percentage who reported various limitations that work placed on

Table 7.4b—school schedule, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Limits choice of Limits number of classes Limits class

 classes 1995–96 could take 1995–96 schedule 1995–96

 Total 22.3 27.0 29.4

Gender

 Male 24.1 29.6 30.9

 Female 20.8 24.7 28.1

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 17.6 22.3 24.8

 19 years 26.0 29.3 34.7

 20–23 years 29.5 37.9 34.5

 24–29 years 46.2 51.8 51.3

 30 or older 51.8 53.6 57.7

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 19.5 23.7 26.7

 Black, non-Hispanic 26.6 32.4 31.3

 Hispanic 27.5 34.6 37.5

 Asian/Pacific Islander 34.8 40.3 47.0

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 19.7 24.2 26.3

 Single, no children (independent) 33.7 37.2 56.4

 Single with children 35.8 46.2 41.8

 Married 46.4 49.9 50.5

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 24.3 30.6 34.0

 Some postsecondary 16.7 25.6 26.3

 Bachelor’s degree 27.2 28.4 31.2

 Advanced degree 19.3 19.6 21.7

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 30.3 32.6 34.1

 $25,000–44,999 17.3 23.6 27.0

 $45,000–69,999 16.6 21.2 22.7

 $70,000 or greater 15.3 19.6 21.3

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 24.9 27.1 41.3

 $6,000–14,999 35.3 46.2 47.7

 $15,000–24,999 47.6 59.1 56.4

 $25,000 or greater 58.1 57.4 54.9

_______

199
Table 7.4b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as students who

Table 7.4b—work to meet expenses, the percentage who reported various limitations that work placed on

Table 7.4b—school schedule, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

Table 7.4b——Continued

 Limits choice of Limits number of classes Limits class

 classes 1995–96 could take 1995–96 schedule 1995–96

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 14.5 17.8 20.7

 One 19.3 22.4 25.6

 Two or three 36.9 46.6 45.0

 Four or more 45.2 51.9 57.4

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 17.6 22.0 24.8

 Delayed 33.6 40.3 40.6

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 19.7 24.2 26.3

 Independent 38.7 44.7 49.2

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 20.4 25.0 27.8

 One or more 44.4 50.5 48.0

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Worked part time 16.8 20.6 23.1

 Worked full time 42.7 50.6 52.7

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

200
Table 7.5a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as employees

Table 7.5a—who were enrolled in school, the percentage who reported various reasons for attending,

Table 7.5a—by institution type and attendance patterns

 Earn Learn

 degree/ new job Required Advance Personal

 certificate skills by job in job interest Recreation

 Total 78.4 83.0 18.1 40.4 88.5 25.3

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 85.3 88.9 10.6 26.7 87.6 30.9

 Attained, enrolled 95.0 72.5 14.1 32.5 85.5 25.6

 No degree, enrolled 77.6 81.2 13.8 37.1 85.1 29.4

 No degree, not enrolled 75.6 83.7 23.2 46.6 91.5 21.4

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 76.1 82.9 19.7 43.5 88.9 24.3

 Certificate 85.2 86.8 11.9 27.7 89.4 29.2

 Associate’s degree 95.4 74.4 10.3 27.0 80.8 30.0

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 64.1 72.3 14.0 41.0 84.4 28.7

 Private, not-for-profit 79.2 77.3 18.7 53.4 81.2 21.9

 Private, for-profit ——————

 2-year

 Public 80.0 83.6 19.6 40.3 89.0 24.2

 Private, not-for-profit 87.9 82.3 6.0 34.3 98.3 29.7

 Private, for-profit 86.5 91.6 13.3 41.6 89.0 25.7

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 77.7 82.4 12.0 41.4 86.3 32.4

 Private, for-profit 77.6 91.0 15.6 28.7 93.4 31.6

Level of first institution

 4-year 69.6 74.6 15.3 45.6 83.8 26.1

 2-year 80.4 84.0 19.1 40.3 89.1 24.4

 Less-than-2-year 77.7 88.9 14.9 32.3 92.1 31.2

Control of first institution

 Public 77.9 82.1 18.7 40.4 88.4 25.0

 Private, not-for-profit 80.5 77.7 17.0 52.0 84.0 22.4

 Private, for-profit 81.3 91.4 14.4 34.6 91.9 28.7

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 83.5 85.7 20.0 43.0 86.9 27.2

 Associate’s degree 78.1 84.2 18.4 38.4 90.9 23.7

 Bachelor’s degree 67.3 70.8 11.9 42.3 82.5 27.1

Degree goal at first institution

 None 49.0 69.7 13.5 39.9 87.4 28.9

 Certificate 87.5 89.6 22.3 42.5 91.0 25.7

 Associate’s degree 88.4 86.5 21.2 42.4 94.5 20.7

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 78.3 80.5 13.9 38.8 81.9 28.2

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 79.5 83.4 14.9 33.1 88.0 34.4

 Mixed 80.6 83.2 17.3 36.4 91.6 30.6

 Always part-time 77.1 83.1 21.2 47.0 88.3 16.7

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 79.3 83.0 19.0 41.9 89.0 25.0

 Not continuously enrolled 75.3 84.3 15.8 34.0 88.5 25.8

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

201
Table 7.5b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as employees

Table 7.5b—who were enrolled in school, the percentage who reported various reasons for attending, by

Table 7.5b—demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Earn Learn

 degree/ new job Required Advance Personal

 certificate skills by job in job interest Recreation

 Total 78.4 83.0 18.1 40.4 88.5 25.3 

Gender

 Male 79.4 82.2 23.4 44.0 88.1 30.9 

 Female 77.7 83.6 13.9 37.6 88.9 20.8 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 74.0 81.1 13.0 28.8 83.6 32.4 

 19 years 73.5 75.1 13.4 23.3 87.6 41.1 

 20–23 years 84.8 81.0 23.8 40.8 92.2 26.1 

 24–29 years 84.7 93.1 17.9 43.2 91.4 16.7 

 30 or older 77.7 82.2 22.6 60.5 90.0 15.2 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 76.5 81.5 16.2 40.8 87.4 25.3 

 Black, non-Hispanic 78.4 88.4 27.1 38.0 92.4 24.7 

 Hispanic 86.0 84.3 20.1 42.7 87.4 22.8 

 Asian/Pacific Islander ——————

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——————

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 73.0 78.2 11.8 27.6 85.8 33.2 

 Single, no children (independent) 75.9 93.0 25.9 49.7 93.3 35.9 

 Single with children 86.1 86.7 24.5 52.8 87.4 11.2 

 Married 82.9 82.7 18.5 50.2 95.6 16.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 78.4 84.7 18.5 41.7 88.8 18.3 

 Some postsecondary 84.5 82.3 27.7 47.8 90.0 36.7 

 Bachelor’s degree 83.7 77.5 10.6 29.4 82.2 43.9 

 Advanced degree 64.3 70.5 9.4 35.5 88.6 36.6 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 80.1 76.8 4.8 19.3 88.9 25.5 

 $25,000–44,999 73.4 79.4 16.3 36.0 84.3 38.0 

 $45,000–69,999 62.8 79.0 12.8 24.2 90.9 32.9 

 $70,000 or greater 76.2 77.1 13.2 31.1 76.6 37.5 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 82.3 85.9 27.6 49.8 91.8 28.6 

 $6,000–14,999 90.7 89.1 21.3 43.0 84.6 22.9 

 $15,000–24,999 78.3 91.7 16.8 40.0 94.9 23.5 

 $25,000 or greater 81.6 81.7 28.3 64.5 90.1 9.8 

_______

202
Table 7.5b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who identified themselves as employees

Table 7.5b—who were enrolled in school, the percentage who reported various reasons for attending, by

Table 7.5b—demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Earn Learn

 degree/ new job Required Advance Personal

 certificate skills by job in job interest Recreation

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 71.6 78.3 11.3 32.1 83.5 46.2 

 One 75.8 81.6 10.0 31.2 76.3 32.2 

 Two or three 77.6 82.2 17.8 30.2 93.4 22.5 

 Four or more 81.1 84.8 21.4 52.5 92.4 19.5 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 76.2 79.9 15.3 30.5 85.0 35.1 

 Delayed 80.1 83.5 18.6 44.9 90.1 20.2 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 73.0 78.2 11.8 27.6 85.8 33.2 

 Independent 82.2 86.5 22.3 50.9 92.4 19.5 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 73.9 82.4 15.7 33.9 88.2 32.0 

 One or more 86.1 83.3 21.0 53.0 91.9 13.3 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Worked part time 77.7 82.4 12.3 29.1 82.9 32.1 

 Worked full time 78.9 83.3 21.5 47.3 92.0 21.2 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

203
Table 7.6a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998,

Table 7.6a—the percentage distribution according to their employment status, by institution type and

Table 7.6a—attendance patterns

 Currently Out of Currently

 working labor force looking for work

 Total 82.2 10.4 7.4 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 80.3 10.8 9.0 

 Attained, enrolled †††

 No degree, enrolled 67.9 24.7 7.5 

 No degree, not enrolled 83.4 9.7 6.9 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 83.1 10.0 6.9 

 Certificate 78.2 13.1 8.6 

 Associate’s degree 85.5 5.5 9.0 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 84.1 7.4 8.6 

 Private, not-for-profit 83.4 10.6 6.0 

 Private, for-profit 72.1 17.3 10.6 

 2-year

 Public 84.8 10.2 5.0 

 Private, not-for-profit 84.3 6.5 9.2 

 Private, for-profit 80.6 7.8 11.6 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 78.0 8.3 13.7 

 Private, for-profit 72.9 14.9 12.1 

Level of first institution

 4-year 83.5 8.7 7.8 

 2-year 84.3 9.9 5.8 

 Less-than-2-year 73.7 13.8 12.5 

Control of first institution

 Public 84.3 9.6 6.1 

 Private, not-for-profit 82.9 10.2 6.9 

 Private, for-profit 75.2 12.9 11.9 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 79.3 11.5 9.2 

 Associate’s degree 83.9 10.1 6.0 

 Bachelor’s degree 83.7 8.7 7.6 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 79.2 11.7 9.1 

 Certificate 78.6 11.6 9.8 

 Associate’s degree 86.2 9.1 4.7 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 84.7 8.2 7.2 

_______

204
Table 7.6a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998,

Table 7.6a—the percentage distribution according to their employment status, by institution type and

Table 7.6a—attendance patterns—Continued

 Currently Out of Currently

 working labor force looking for work

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 80.2 10.1 9.8 

 Mixed 82.1 13.1 4.8 

 Always part-time 86.8 7.9 5.3 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 82.7 9.7 7.6 

 Not continuously enrolled 79.7 13.7 6.6 

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

205
Table 7.6b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998, the

Table 7.6a—percentage distribution according to their employment status, by demographic characteristics

Table 7.6a—and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Currently Out of Currently

 working labor force looking for work

 Total 82.2 10.4 7.4 

Gender

 Male 88.4 4.9 6.7 

 Female 77.5 14.5 8.0 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 84.2 8.2 7.6 

 19 years 84.1 9.7 6.2 

 20–23 years 82.1 6.5 11.4 

 24–29 years 85.7 10.2 4.1 

 30 or older 74.0 18.8 7.2 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 84.2 10.7 5.1 

 Black, non-Hispanic 80.7 5.2 14.1 

 Hispanic 76.3 12.8 10.9 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 76.9 20.2 2.9 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native 91.8 1.1 7.1 

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 84.9 6.7 8.4 

 Single, no children (independent) 73.7 19.3 7.0 

 Single with children 80.9 10.3 8.9 

 Married 80.3 15.0 4.7 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 81.3 10.9 7.8 

 Some postsecondary 87.9 6.2 5.9 

 Bachelor’s degree 87.3 7.1 5.7 

 Advanced degree 78.6 18.6 2.7 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 67.8 17.7 14.5 

 Student working to meet expenses 90.5 4.8 4.7 

 Employee who is enrolled 87.8 8.2 3.9 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 76.3 8.1 15.6 

 $25,000–44,999 89.9 3.8 6.4 

 $45,000–69,999 90.6 6.4 3.0 

 $70,000 or greater 86.2 9.5 4.3 

_______

206
Table 7.6b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998, the

Table 7.6a—percentage distribution according to their employment status, by demographic characteristics

Table 7.6a—and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 Currently Out of Currently

 working labor force looking for work

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 76.9 12.3 10.8 

 $6,000–14,999 72.9 17.4 9.7 

 $15,000–24,999 84.5 13.2 2.3 

 $25,000 or greater 87.9 9.0 3.2 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 83.5 7.4 9.1 

 One 86.1 4.9 9.0 

 Two or three 75.9 16.5 7.6 

 Four or more 86.4 8.2 5.4 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 84.7 8.2 7.2 

 Delayed 81.6 11.4 7.0 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 84.9 6.7 8.4 

 Independent 79.8 13.4 6.8 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 81.7 10.5 7.9 

 One or more 83.3 10.1 6.7 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 67.8 17.7 14.5 

 Worked part time 86.2 8.6 5.3 

 Worked full time 90.9 5.5 3.6 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

207
Table 7.7a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and

Table 7.7a—who reported working, the percentage distribution according to hours worked per week,

Table 7.7a—the average hours worked per week, and the median starting salary for those employed full

Table 7.7a—time, by institution type and attendance patterns

 1–24 25–34 35 or more Average Median full-time

 hours hours hours hours worked starting salary

 Total 9.6 12.0 78.4 38.8 $14,985 

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 7.3 15.3 77.5 38.5 15,026 

 Attained, enrolled ††† † †

 No degree, enrolled ††† † †

 No degree, not enrolled 10.5 10.8 78.7 38.9 15,053 

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 10.5 10.8 78.7 38.9 15,078 

 Certificate 8.3 14.7 77.1 38.4 15,012 

 Associate’s degree 2.0 19.5 78.5 38.9 16,577 

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 7.8 14.3 77.9 39.2 14,816 

 Private, not-for-profit 9.4 10.4 80.2 38.7 14,801 

 Private, for-profit ——— — —

 2-year

 Public 9.6 10.1 80.4 39.1 15,376 

 Private, not-for-profit 3.2 13.7 83.1 40.2 17,560 

 Private, for-profit 6.7 12.1 81.2 38.9 14,854 

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 15.1 15.4 69.6 38.1 16,018 

 Private, for-profit 11.5 17.0 71.5 37.1 13,953 

Level of first institution

 4-year 8.2 12.9 78.9 39.1 14,758 

 2-year 9.2 10.3 80.5 39.1 15,189 

 Less-than-2-year 12.6 16.6 70.8 37.2 13,916 

Control of first institution

 Public 9.6 11.1 79.4 39.1 14,910 

 Private, not-for-profit 9.4 11.0 79.7 38.7 15,251 

 Private, for-profit 9.9 15.4 74.8 37.7 14,212 

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 7.5 13.8 78.7 39.0 14,810 

 Associate’s degree 11.6 10.4 78.0 38.5 14,863 

 Bachelor’s degree 8.7 12.3 79.0 39.0 14,595 

Degree goal at first institution

 None 12.5 8.8 78.8 38.6 14,170 

 Certificate 6.4 13.5 80.2 39.3 15,314 

 Associate’s degree 7.4 10.6 82.0 39.7 15,340 

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 11.5 16.1 72.5 37.8 14,300 

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 8.9 13.4 77.8 38.7 14,294 

 Mixed 12.3 17.2 70.5 37.7 14,449 

 Always part-time 9.0 6.2 84.8 39.6 17,826 

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 10.0 12.0 78.0 38.7 14,877 

 Not continuously enrolled 3.6 11.8 84.6 39.4 15,134 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

208
Table 7.7b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and

Table 7.7a—who reported working, the percentage distribution according to hours worked per week,

Table 7.7a—the average hours worked per week, and the median full-time starting salary, by demographic

Table 7.7a—characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 1–24 25–34 5 or more Average Median full-time

 hours hours hours hours worked starting salary

 Total 9.6 12.0 78.4 38.8 $14,985 

Gender

 Male 7.9 7.2 84.9 41.0 15,924 

 Female 11.0 15.9 73.1 36.9 13,550 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 9.2 13.0 77.8 39.1 14,041 

 19 years 6.6 19.8 73.6 37.5 14,014 

 20–23 years 18.6 9.9 71.5 36.7 13,777 

 24–29 years 2.7 7.9 89.4 40.5 16,721 

 30 or older 11.2 9.9 79.0 39.2 18,666 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 8.3 11.5 80.1 39.2 14,988 

 Black, non-Hispanic 13.7 12.7 73.6 37.7 15,100 

 Hispanic 11.0 14.0 74.9 37.6 15,127 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 15.3 10.8 73.9 39.4 20,012 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ——— — —

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 11.2 11.8 77.0 38.4 14,127 

 Single, no children (independent) 2.0 14.2 83.9 39.6 16,410 

 Single with children 8.4 11.8 79.8 38.1 14,691 

 Married 11.2 11.8 77.0 39.8 17,810 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 8.5 9.5 82.1 39.4 15,893 

 Some postsecondary 8.4 18.6 73.0 37.6 14,806 

 Bachelor’s degree 7.0 7.9 85.1 40.1 14,641 

 Advanced degree 19.7 10.3 70.0 37.5 12,056 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 10.7 17.6 71.8 37.2 12,966 

 Student working to meet expenses 10.0 12.1 77.9 38.6 14,857 

 Employee who is enrolled 3.9 6.5 89.6 41.5 16,425 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 15.3 11.4 73.3 37.4 13,641 

 $25,000–44,999 5.6 12.4 81.9 39.7 13,026 

 $45,000–69,999 14.7 9.2 76.2 37.1 15,360 

 $70,000 or greater 4.5 17.6 77.9 41.5 13,887 

_______

209
Table 7.7b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and

Table 7.7a—who reported working, the percentage distribution according to hours worked per week,

Table 7.7a—the average hours worked per week, and the median full-time starting salary, by demographic

Table 7.7a—characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled—Continued

 1–24 25–34 5 or more Average Median full-time

 hours hours hours hours worked starting salary

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 9.0 21.4 69.6 36.8 $13,759 

 $6,000–14,999 9.8 13.0 77.3 38.1 14,475 

 $15,000–24,999 7.1 9.7 83.2 39.4 17,588 

 $25,000 or greater 5.9 6.4 87.7 42.3 22,315 

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 8.4 14.1 77.6 38.5 13,992 

 One 17.5 12.1 70.4 37.1 14,250 

 Two or three 8.0 15.1 76.8 38.9 15,122 

 Four or more 7.2 8.3 84.5 40.0 17,681 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 9.5 14.0 76.5 38.8 13,381 

 Delayed 9.9 11.0 79.1 38.7 16,142 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 11.2 11.8 77.0 38.4 14,127 

 Independent 8.0 12.7 79.3 39.2 16,203 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 9.6 12.8 77.6 38.7 14,736 

 One or more 9.7 10.3 80.0 39.0 15,719 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 10.7 17.6 71.8 37.2 12,966 

 Worked part time 11.8 15.8 72.4 37.8 14,523 

 Worked full time 4.0 5.5 90.5 41.5 16,555 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

210
Table 7.8a—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and who

Table 7.8a—reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements as a result of their

Table 7.8a—enrollment, by institution type and attendance patterns

 Degree/certificate Able to earn Able to take on

 required for job higher salary more responsibility

 Total 13.2 43.3 52.0

Total 3-year persistence and attainment

 Attained, not enrolled 30.4 67.2 70.5

 Attained, enrolled †††

 No degree, enrolled †††

 No degree, not enrolled 6.9 34.4 45.2

Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 6.9 34.4 45.2

 Certificate 31.3 65.7 68.8

 Associate’s degree 24.4 69.0 76.5

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 7.3 35.8 47.2

 Private, not-for-profit 7.6 36.0 41.7

 Private, for-profit ———

 2-year

 Public 8.3 37.1 48.1

 Private, not-for-profit 13.6 58.6 65.7

 Private, for-profit 18.7 68.0 69.6

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 24.4 64.7 68.4

 Private, for-profit 33.5 59.7 63.1

Level of first institution

 4-year 7.9 35.9 45.2

 2-year 9.4 40.6 50.5

 Less-than-2-year 31.6 60.8 64.3

Control of first institution

 Public 8.9 38.3 49.0

 Private, not-for-profit 8.9 40.8 46.6

 Private, for-profit 29.1 61.7 64.2

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 24.5 58.5 66.5

 Associate’s degree 6.0 34.3 42.3

 Bachelor’s degree 6.3 33.8 45.3

Degree goal at first institution

 None 8.7 35.1 39.8

 Certificate 25.9 63.0 70.3

 Associate’s degree 10.0 40.5 49.5

 Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year 6.7 29.7 41.0

Intensity pattern through 1998

 Always full-time 16.3 48.7 57.6

 Mixed 13.2 41.9 45.8

 Always part-time 7.8 35.2 46.4

Enrollment continuity through 1998

 Continuously enrolled 13.5 44.1 52.8

 Not continuously enrolled 9.2 30.8 40.5

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

†Not applicable.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

211
Table 7.8b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and who

Table 7.8a—reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements as a result of their

Table 7.8a—enrollment, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

 Degree/certificate Able to earn Able to take on

 required for job higher salary more responsibility

 Total 13.2 43.3 52.0 

Gender

 Male 9.8 42.9 54.8 

 Female 16.1 43.6 49.7 

Age when first enrolled

 18 years or younger 7.4 35.8 49.2 

 19 years 12.4 44.7 56.3 

 20–23 years 20.5 56.7 55.2 

 24–29 years 19.6 51.0 55.0 

 30 or older 14.4 41.7 50.7 

Race/ethnicity

 White, non-Hispanic 11.7 41.2 49.2 

 Black, non-Hispanic 17.7 47.6 55.9 

 Hispanic 12.1 52.3 64.7 

 Asian/Pacific Islander 28.8 33.9 51.5 

 American Indian/Alaskan Native ———

Marital status and children when first enrolled

 Single, no children (dependent) 8.3 40.4 53.4 

 Single, no children (independent) 11.6 35.6 36.2 

 Single with children 25.7 58.3 61.1 

 Married 16.2 45.0 52.1 

Parental education

 High school diploma or less 14.3 48.9 58.4 

 Some postsecondary 12.0 37.5 44.8 

 Bachelor’s degree 9.9 35.8 44.0 

 Advanced degree 4.6 36.0 39.7 

Student/employee role 1995–96

 Did not work while enrolled 24.2 54.3 59.6 

 Student working to meet expenses 10.6 36.1 45.6 

 Employee who is enrolled 10.0 44.0 54.1 

Dependent family income in 1994

 Less than $25,000 11.7 38.5 54.9 

 $25,000–44,999 7.7 39.1 51.2 

 $45,000–69,999 6.8 42.5 53.1 

 $70,000 or greater 3.8 44.0 54.9 

Independent student income in 1994

 Less than $6,000 22.4 45.8 44.9 

 $6,000–14,999 27.2 56.3 61.8 

 $15,000–24,999 8.7 36.4 41.6 

 $25,000 or greater 16.2 51.1 56.5 

_______

212
Table 7.8b—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who were not enrolled as of 1998 and who

Table 7.8a—reported working, the percentage reporting various job enhancements as a result of their

Table 7.8a—enrollment, by demographic characteristics and persistence risk factors when first enrolled

Table 7.6a——Continued

 Degree/certificate Able to earn Able to take on

 required for job higher salary more responsibility

Number of risk factors when first enrolled*

 None 11.0 40.5 54.4 

 One 8.9 49.0 60.1 

 Two or three 13.3 39.1 45.9 

 Four or more 16.5 47.2 52.9 

Delayed postsecondary enrollment

 Did not delay 8.2 35.8 49.0 

 Delayed 15.0 48.3 54.6 

Dependency status when first enrolled

 Dependent 8.3 40.4 53.4 

 Independent 18.2 47.6 51.7 

Number of children when first enrolled

 None 9.3 39.5 49.7 

 One or more 22.1 53.3 58.5 

Worked while enrolled 1995–96

 Did not work 24.2 54.3 59.6 

 Worked part time 10.6 37.9 46.3 

 Worked full time 10.2 42.2 52.5 

—Too few cases for a reliable estimate.

*Risk factors include 1) part-time attendance; 2) delayed postsecondary enrollment; 3) financially independent from parents;

4) work full-time while enrolled; 5) have dependents; 6) single parent; and 7) dropped out of high school or completed with

GED/Alternative credential.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

213
Table 7.9—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year institutions

Table 7.9—and were not enrolled as of 1998, the percentage distribution according to employment status,

Table 7.9—by degree attainment and applied field of study

 Currently Out of Currently

 working labor force looking for work

 Total 80.3 10.8 9.0 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 84.0 10.8 5.2 

 Nursing/allied health 72.9 16.9 10.2 

 Technology/mechanical 88.4 6.5 5.1 

 Cosmetology 73.2 11.9 14.9 

 All other fields 76.5 13.6 9.9 

 Total 83.4 9.7 6.9 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 85.7 6.8 7.6 

 Nursing/allied health 83.6 8.9 7.5 

 Technology/mechanical 86.1 4.9 9.0 

 Cosmetology 58.7 26.5 14.9 

 All other fields 83.1 11.7 5.2 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

No degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

_______

214
Table 7.10—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year institutions

Table 7.10—and were not enrolled as of 1998 and who reported working, the percentage distribution of

Table 7.10—average hours worked per week, the average number of hours worked per week, and the annual

Table 7.10—starting salary among those working full time, by degree attainment and applied field of study

 1–24 25–34 5 or more Average Median full-time

 hours hours hours hours worked starting salary

 Total 7.3 15.3 77.5 38.5 $14,940 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 3.9 23.6 72.5 37.7 14,576 

 Nursing/allied health 2.7 18.3 79.0 38.3 13,193 

 Technology/mechanical 9.4 2.4 88.2 40.9 15,767 

 Cosmetology 15.5 14.8 69.7 36.3 8,560 

 All other fields 5.9 22.8 71.3 37.5 17,688 

 Total 10.5 10.8 78.7 38.9 15,056 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 13.6 7.2 79.3 37.1 17,667 

 Nursing/allied health 14.9 19.5 65.6 34.4 11,942 

 Technology/mechanical 3.8 10.5 85.7 42.7 19,567 

 Cosmetology 1.9 23.7 74.4 38.2 11,612 

 All other fields 11.9 8.2 80.0 39.4 14,851 

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Attained degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

No degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

_______

215
Table 7.11—Among 1995–96 beginning postsecondary students who began at less-than-4-year institutions

Table 7.11—and were not enrolled as of 1998 and who reported working, the percentage reporting various

Table 7.11—job enhancements related to enrollment, by degree attainment and applied field of study

 Degree/certificate Able to earn Able to take on

 required for job higher salary more responsibility

 Attained degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

 Total 30.4 67.2 70.5 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 16.6 66.1 63.3 

 Nursing/allied health 55.7 84.3 88.2 

 Technology/mechanical 19.7 62.1 71.3 

 Cosmetology 54.7 78.8 83.2 

 All other fields 17.0 47.6 50.4 

 No degree or certificate, not enrolled in 1998

 Total 6.9 34.4 45.2 

Applied fields of study 1995–96

 Business/secretarial 3.8 37.5 44.9 

 Nursing/allied health 19.9 37.0 34.8 

 Technology/mechanical 16.5 43.6 59.0 

 Cosmetology 25.8 20.4 39.2 

 All other fields 2.3 33.0 46.2 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

_______

216
217

Appendix A—Glossary

This glossary describes the variables used in this report. The items were taken directly from the BPS:98, Data Analysis System (DAS); see appendix B for a description of the DAS. The variables used in this analysis were either items

taken directly from the surveys or derived by combining one or more items in these surveys.

The variables listed in the index below are in the order they appear in the report; the glossary is in alphabetical order

by DAS variable name displayed along the right-hand column.

Glossary Index

INSTITUTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Type of first institution ................................ITNPSAS

Level of first institution..................................ITNPLV

Control of first institution ..............................ITNPCT

Highest offering of first institution.............ITNPSAS2

PROGRAM AND PURPOSE

Degree program at first institution ........... DGPGMY1

Degree goal at first institution...DGEXPY1/PGM4Y1

Transfer or degree expectation..................... PGM7Y1

Program/field at first institution................... PGM1Y1

Purpose for enrolling ................................... PGM6Y1

Applied field of study .................................. PGM8Y1

PERSISTENCE AND ATTAINMENT

Total 3-year persistence and

 attainment/Attainment and

 persistence by degree goal .....................PRENRLB1

Attainment and retention at first

 institution ......................................................PRSIB1

Attainment and last year of enrollment

 1995–98 ................................................ PRENYRB1

Highest degree attained/Highest

 sub-baccalaureate degree attained..........DGRETYB1

First type of degree attained/First type

 of sub-baccalaureate degree attained ............DGRE1

Number of months enrolled through

 1998 ...................................................... ENNUTTB1

Intensity pattern through last month

 enrolled 1995–98 .................................... ENIPTTB1

Academic year of last enrollment.............PRENLAB1

Transfer status/First transfer direction .....PRTRTYB1

Enrollment continuity through 1998 ....... ENSENUB1

STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS WHEN FIRST

ENROLLED

Gender ....................................................SBGENDER

Age during first month enrolled.................. SBAGFM

Race/ethnicity .............................................SBRACEI

Marital status and children when first

 enrolled ................................................ SBMRCHY1

Parental education....................................... PBEDHI3

Dependent family income ..........................SFINDP94

Independent student income 1994...............SFININ94

Student/employee role .............................SEROLEY1

Number of risk factors when first

 enrolled .................................................. SBRSK1Y1

High school diploma or equivalency

 status ..................................................... HSDIPLOM

Delayed postsecondary enrollment ........... ENDELAY

Attendance status when began at first

 institution ................................................... ENINFM

Dependency status when began at first

 institution ............................................... SBDEP1Y1

Number of children when first

 enrolled ....................................................SBDPNY1

Single parent status ...................................SBSINGY1

Worked while enrolled 1995–96.............. J1HOURY1

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

Met high math/science curriculum............HCBASIC4

Number of Advanced Placement tests

 taken.....................................................TEAPNUMB

Grade point average in high school.........HCGPAREP

Derived SAT combined score................. TESATDER
Appendix A—Glossary

218

FINANCIAL AID

Received any aid/Average total aid

 amount ..................................................AATOTLY1

Received grants/Average grant

 amount ................................................. AAGRNTY1

Received loans/Average loan amount ..... AALON1Y1

EFFECTS OF EMPLOYMENT WHILE ENROLLED

Limits choice of classes ...........................ESCLCHY1

Assists with class content.........................ESCLCNY1

Limits number of classes......................... ESCLNUY1

Limits class schedule ............................... ESSCHEY1

REASONS FOR ENROLLING (EMPLOYEES)

Earn postsecondary credential ................ EEDEGRY1

Learn new job skills.................................EELEARY1

Advance in job........................................EEADVAY1

Required by job....................................... EEREQUY1

Personal interest....................................... EEPERSY1

For recreation...........................................EERECRY1

POST-ENROLLMENT EMPLOYMENT

Employment status in 1998........................JFSTAT98

Average hours worked per week.............. JFHOURB1

Full-time starting salary .............................JFINCOB1

Degree or certificate required ................... JFDEG1B1

Able to earn higher salary ......................... JFESALB1

Able to take on more responsibility ...........JFERESB1

Have better job opportunities.................... JFEOPPB1

Relationship between current and past

 employment.............................................. JFNEWB1
Appendix A—Glossary

219

Received grants/Average grant amount AAGRNTY1

Indicates whether student received grants and the average total amount of all grants federal, state, institutional, and

private sector received during 1995–96. Includes employer tuition reimbursements.

Received loans/Average loan amount AALON1Y1

Indicates whether student received loans and the average total amount of all loans federal, state, institutional, and

private sector received during 1995–96, excluding PLUS loans.

Received any aid/Average aid amount AATOTLY1

Indicates where student received any aid and the average total amount of financial aid received during 1995–96. Includes all grant, loan, work-study, and other assistance, including PLUS loans, veteran’s and military benefits, vocational rehabilitation, JTPA, employer aid, and private aid.

Degree goal at first institution DGEXPY1

Highest degree expected at the first institution attended in 1995–96. Responses for any degree of BA or higher, plus

those planning to transfer to a 4-year institution were coded as bachelor’s/transfer. Those planning no degree at that

institution or planning to transfer from one less-than-4-year institution to another were also coded as having no degree expectation. Responses of higher degrees than were offered at the institution were assumed to be planning to

transfer.

None

Certificate

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree or transfer to 4-year

Degree program at first institution DGPGMY1

First type of degree program at the first institution attended in 1995–96. This is a composite variable based primarily

on the student interview response to the type of program. Missing or contradictory responses were coded based on

the program indicated by the institution, the student’s degree expectation, field of study, and level of degrees actually

offered. Students at 2-year institutions who intended to transfer were classified in associate’s degree programs.

Vocational certificate

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

First type of degree attained/First sub-baccalaureate degree attained DGRE1

First type of degree attained through June 1998. For first sub-baccalaureate credential attained, the category “bachelor’s degree” was dropped from the categories below because of the small sample size.

None

Certificate

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree
Appendix A—Glossary

220

Highest degree attained/Highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained DGRETYB1

Combinations of types of degrees attained through June 1998. The possible response categories are as follows:

None

Attained certificate only

Attained associate’s degree only

Attained bachelor’s degree only

Attained certificate and associate’s degree

Attained certificate and bachelor’s degree

Attained certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree

For this analysis, the response categories were aggregated as follows:

None

Certificate

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

For highest sub-baccalaureate degree attained, the category “bachelor’s degree” was dropped because of the small

sample size.

Advance in job EEADVAY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, “Were each of the

following important considerations in your decision to go to school while working: to gain skills for advancement in

current job (EEADVAY1), to complete a degree or certificate program (EEDEGRY1), to gain skills needed for a

new job or career (EELEARY1), personal enrichment or interest in the subject (EEPERSY1), for recreation

(EERECRY1)?” Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).

Earn postsecondary credential EEDEGRY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, whether completing a degree or certificate program was an important considerations in the decision to go to school while working.

For complete description see EEADVAY1. Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).

Learn new job skills EELEARY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, whether gaining

skills needed for a new job or career was an important considerations in the decision to go to school while working.

For complete description see EEADVAY1. Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).

Personal interest EEPERSY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, whether personal

enrichment or interest in the subject was an important considerations in the decision to go to school while working.

For complete description see EEADVAY1. Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).
Appendix A—Glossary

221

For recreation EERECRY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, whether recreation

was an important considerations in the decision to go to school while working. For complete description see

EEADVAY1. Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).

Required by job EEREQUY1

Students who were employed and who identified as employees who decided to enroll were asked, whether enrollment requirement for employment in current job was an important considerations in the decision to go to school

while working. For complete description see EEADVAY1. Asked in NPSAS:96 student CATI (Yes/No).

Delayed postsecondary enrollment ENDELAY

Indicates whether respondents delayed enrollment in postsecondary education, as determined by receipt of high

school diploma prior to 1995 or reaching age 20 before December 31, 1995.

Did not delay

Delayed

Attendance status when began at first institution ENINFM

Indicates the intensity of first month enrolled 1995–98. Based primarily on institutional records.

Full time

Part time

Intensity pattern through last month enrolled 1995–98 ENIPTTB1

Pattern of enrollment intensity during months enrolled at all institutions, through June 1998. Attendance pattern refers to the student’s full-time, part-time, or mixed attendance while enrolled.

Always full time Students were enrolled full time for all months enrolled

through 1998.

Mixed Students were enrolled both full time and part time or had

some other pattern of enrollment during enrolled months.

Always part time Students were enrolled exclusively part time during enrolled

months.

Number of months enrolled through 1998 ENNUTTB1

Total number of months enrolled at any institution through June 1998.

Less than 12 months

12–24 months

25 months or more
Appendix A—Glossary

222

Enrollment continuity though 1988 ENSENUB1

Count of spells of continuous enrollment at any institution each separated by more than four months of nonenrollment, through June 1998.

Continuously enrolled Student was continuously enrolled without any interruption of

more than 4 months.

Not continuously enrolled Student was enrolled for more than one spell, separated by

more than 4 months.

Limits choice of classes ESCLCHY1

Students who were employed and who identified as a student working to meet expenses were asked, “Did having a

job: restrict your choice of classes (ECLCHY1)?; assist with class subjects (ESCLCNY1)?; limit the number of

classes you could take (ESCLUNUY1)?; limit class schedule (ESSCHEY1)?” Asked on NPSAS:96 CATI (Yes/No).

Assists with class content ESCLCNY1

Students who were employed and who identified as a student working to meet expenses were asked whether having a

job assists with class subjects. For complete description, see ESCLCHY1. Asked on NPSAS:96 CATI (Yes/No).

Limits number of classes ESCLNUY1

Students who were employed and who identified as a student working to meet expenses were asked whether having a

job limits the number of classes he/she could take. For complete description, see ESCLCHY1. Asked on NPSAS:96

CATI (Yes/No).

Limits class schedule ESSCHEY1

Students who were employed and who identified as a student working to meet expenses were asked whether having a

job limits class schedules. For complete description, see ESCLCHY1. Asked on NPSAS:96 CATI (Yes/No).

Met high math/science curriculum HCBASIC4

Indicates whether student has completed or was planning to complete a math/science high school curriculum of four

years each of English, math, and science, three years of social studies, and two years of foreign language, according

to self-report on standardized test questionnaire. Applies only to students who took the SAT or ACT (95 percent of

beginners at 4-year institutions).

Did not meet threshold

Met curriculum threshold
Appendix A—Glossary

223

Grade point average in high school HCGPAREP

High school grade point average on the standardized test date, according to self-report on test questionnaire. For a

number of students, both SAT and ACT score reports were available. In these cases, high school grade and curriculum information from the more recent test date was used. Applies only to students who took the SAT or ACT.

B or less

B+ to AMostly As

High school diploma or equivalency status HSDIPLOM

Indicates type of high school degree reported by the sample institution or, if not available, by the student. If studentreported information was used, it was collected from the CATI and in response to the question, “Did you receive a

high school diploma, pass a General Educational Development (GED) test, or receive a high school completion certificate?”

Students who attended foreign high schools were coded as receiving a high school completion certificate.

High school diploma

GED or high school equivalent

None

Control of first institution ITNPCT

Control of the first institution attended 1995–96.

Public A postsecondary education institution supported primarily by

public funds and operated by publicly elected or appointed officials who control the programs and activities.

Private, not-for-profit A postsecondary institution that is controlled by an independent governing board and incorporated under Section 501 (c)

(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Private, for-profit A postsecondary institution that is privately owned and operated as a profit-making enterprise. Includes career colleges and

proprietary institutions.

Level of first institution ITNPLV

Highest award offering of student’s first institution attended 1995–96.

4-year Denotes 4-year institutions that can award bachelor’s degrees or

higher, including institutions that award doctorate degrees and

first-professional degrees. These include chiropractic, pharmacy, dentistry, podiatry, medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, law, osteopathic medicine, and theology.
Appendix A—Glossary

224

2-year Institution that does not confer bachelor’s degrees, but does

provide 2-year programs that result in a certificate or an associate’s degree, or 2-year programs that fulfill part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree or higher at 4-year institutions.

Less than 2-year At least one of the programs offered at the institution is three

months or longer, and produces a terminal award or certificate.

In addition, no program at the institution lasts longer than two

years.

Type of first institution ITNPSAS

Level and control of the first institution attended. The sample size of beginners at less-than-2-year private, not-forprofit institutions was too small to report.

4-year

 Public

 Private, not-for-profit

 Private, for-profit

2-year

 Public

 Private, not-for-profit

 Private, for-profit

Less-than-2-year

 Public

 Private, for-profit

Highest offering of first institution ITNPSAS2

The highest degree offered at the first 4-year institution attended. Indicates whether the institution offered doctorate

or first-professional degrees.

Doctorate-granting

Nondoctorate-granting

Worked while enrolled 1995–96 J1HOURY1

Indicates the average hours the student worked per week while enrolled during 1995–96, based on student’s report of

average hours worked per week while enrolled during 1995–96. Full time is defined as working 35 or more hours per

week.

Did not work

Worked part time

Worked full time
Appendix A—Glossary

225

Degree/certificate required for job JFDEG1B1

Students who reported post-enrollment employment were asked, “Was a degree such as a bachelor’s or associate’s

degree or a postsecondary certificate required by your employer as a condition for working as a/an

[OCCUPATION]? ” Respondents who held more than one job after graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the one job in which they worked the most hours per week. Asked on student CATI (Yes/No).

Have better job opportunities JFEOPPB1

Students who reported post-enrollment employment were asked, “Has attending [MOST RECENT SCHOOL] provided you with opportunities for better jobs than you could have gotten had you not attended [MOST RECENT

SCHOOL]?” Respondents who held more than one job after graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the

one job in which they worked the most hours per week. Asked on student CATI (Yes/No).

Able to take on more responsibility JFERESB1

Students who reported post-enrollment were asked, “Are you able to take on more responsibility on the job than you

would have had you not attended [MOST RECENT SCHOOL]?” Respondents who held more than one job after

graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the one job in which they worked the most hours per week.

Asked on student CATI (Yes/No).

Able to earn higher salary JFESALB1

Students who reported post-enrollment employment were asked, “Are you able to earn higher salaries than you

would have had you not attended [MOST RECENT SCHOOL]?” Respondents who held more than one job after

graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the one job in which they worked the most hours per week.

Asked on student CATI (Yes/No).

Average hours worked per week JFHOURB1

Students not enrolled at the time of the first follow-up interview were asked, “When you first worked as a/an

[OCCUPATION] after graduating from/leaving [MOST RECENT SCHOOL], how many hours did you work each

week?” Respondents who held more than one job after graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the one

job in which they worked the most hours per week. Imputed to zero if respondent has not worked since leaving postsecondary education. Asked on student CATI.

Full-time starting salary JFINCOB1

Students not enrolled at the time of the first follow-up interview were asked, “What was your annual salary for the

job at the time you graduated from/left school? [OR] What was your annual starting salary for the job?” Respondents

who held more than one job after graduating or leaving school were asked to focus on the one job in which they

worked the most hours per week. This analysis looks at median full-time starting salary. Asked on student CATI.

Relationship between current and past employment JFNEWB1

For students who reported post-enrollment employment, indicates whether held same or new job and same or new

employer at first job held after leaving postsecondary education.
Appendix A—Glossary

226

New employer new job

Same employer new job

Same employer same job

More than one job after leaving

Employment status in 1998 JFSTAT98

If respondent indicated working after enrollment, then respondent was coded as working in 1998. If respondent reported currently looking for work, respondent was coded as looking, otherwise respondent was coded as out of the

labor force.

Currently working

Looking for work

Out of labor force

Parental education PBEDHI3

Aggregated educational level of parent with greater educational attainment, as reported by the parent respondent, or

the student, if no parent CATI was obtained. Reflects editing of father’s or mother’s education based on father’s or

mother’s occupation, where occupational and educational levels were discrepant.

High school diploma or less

Some postsecondary education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Program/field at first institution PGM1Y1

For students beginning at less than 4-year institutions only, this variable indicates the first type of degree program in

which the student was enrolled at the first institution attended. Applied associate’s degree fields generally include

computer science, engineering, business, health, and early childhood education. Liberal arts generally include humanities, social sciences, life and physical sciences, and mathematics, as well as education beyond early childhood,

pre-law, and pre-medical courses of study.

Certificate

Associate’s—applied fields

Associate’s—liberal arts/uncertain

Degree goal at first institution PGM4Y1

For students beginning at less than 4-year institutions only, this variable indicates highest level of education that the

student expected to complete at the first institution attended. Students reporting no degree and no transfer, or transfer

to a 2-year school were coded as expecting no degree at this institution. The same as DGEXPY1, but includes additional cases with values imputed from responses to related questions.

None

Certificate

Associate’s

Transfer 4-year/bachelor’s
Appendix A—Glossary

227

Purpose for enrolling PGM6Y1

For students beginning at less than 4-year institutions only, this variable indicates the primary reason for enrolling at

the first institution. It is based on prior response to highest degree expected at the institution. The wording of this

question varied depending on the student’s expectations regarding the receipt of a degree from the first institution.

Students who did not expect to receive any degree or to receive a vocational certificate were

asked, “Are you enrolled for a job-related reason or some other reason?” All others were asked: “What is your primary reason for enrolling in this school?” Asked on student CATI. The interviewers had the following choice of response categories:

Job skills

Degree or certificate

Transfer to 2-year

Transfer to 4-year

Other Includes transfer, not sure where; and personal enrichment/other.

Transfer or degree expectation PGM7Y1

For students beginning at less than 4-year institutions only, this variable indicates whether the student expected to

receive a degree at the first institution attended or expected to transfer to a 4-year institution, and combinations of the

two. Composite variable based on other program/purpose variables PGM4Y1 and PGM6Y1. Students who responded that they intended to transfer to a 4-year institution on any of these variables were coded as having transfer

expectations; the others were coded as having no 4-year institution transfer expectations. Those who indicated on any

of these variables that they did not intend to get a degree at the first institution (including transfers) were coded as

having no degree expectation at that institution; the others were coded as having degree expectations.

No degree, no transfer

Degree, no transfer

Degree, transfer

No degree, transfer

Applied field of study PGM8Y1

For students beginning at less-than-4-year institutions only, this variable indicates the applied and vocational fields

of study during the first year at less-than-4-year institutions. The most frequently indicated fields are shown. Liberal

arts and undeclared majors are excluded. Based on student-reported degree programs and majors, reclassified.

Business/secretarial

Nursing/allied health

Cosmetology

Other Includes Technology/mechanical, Computers/data processing,

Early childhood/childcare, Criminal justices/paralegal, All

other applied fields.
Appendix A—Glossary

228

Academic year of last enrollment PRENLAB1

Indicates the academic year during or after which the student was no longer enrolled in postsecondary education.

Academic year defined as months from July of first year through June of next year, inclusive.

1995–96

1996–97

1997–98

Total 3-year persistence and attainment PRENRLB1

Identifies whether students had attained a degree by June 1998 and whether or not they were enrolled during spring

1998 by level of institution. Enrollment during any month from February through June 1998 constitutes enrollment

during spring 1998. All possible categories are as follows:

No degree, not enrolled

No degree, enrolled at less-than-2-year

No degree, enrolled at 2-year

No degree, enrolled at 4-year

Attained certificate’s, not enrolled

Attained certificate’s, enrolled at less-than-2-year

Attained certificate’s, enrolled at 2-year

Attained certificate’s, enrolled at 4-year

Attained associate’s degree, not enrolled

Attained associate’s degree, enrolled at less-than-2-year

Attained associate’s degree, enrolled at 2-year

Attained associate’s degree, enrolled at 4-year

Attained bachelor’s degree, not enrolled

Attained bachelor’s degree, enrolled less-than--2-year

Attained bachelor’s degree, enrolled at 2-year

Attained bachelor’s degree, enrolled at 4-year

For this analysis, the categories were aggregated as follows:

Attained, not enrolled

Attained, enrolled

No degree, enrolled

No degree, not enrolled

Attainment and persistence by degree goal PRENRLB1

Aggregated version of total 3-year persistence variable for analysis by the student’s degree goals (certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree)

Attained certificate

Attained associate’s degree

Attained bachelor’s degree

No degree, enrolled at less-than-4-year

No degree, enrolled at 4-year

No degree, not enrolled
Appendix A—Glossary

229

Attainment and last year of enrollment 1995–98 PRENYRB1

Identifies whether students had attained a degree by June 1998, and if not, their last academic year of enrollment in

postsecondary education.

No degree, last year 1995–96

No degree, last year 1996–97

No degree, last year 1997–98

No degree, enrolled spring 1998

Attained degree by spring 1998

Attainment and retention at first institution PRSIB1

Identifies the outcome of the first institutional spell. The first institutional spell is the first spell of continuous enrollment at the first institution. For those who attained a degree prior to the spell end, the variable identifies the degree attained. For those who did not attain prior to the spell end, the variable distinguishes whether the student is still

enrolled at the first institution in spring 1998, experienced a stopout and returned to the NPSAS institution, experienced a stopout and enrolled at new institution, experienced an immediate transfer to a new institution, or left postsecondary education without return at the end of the spell. All possible categories are as follows:

Continuous, no transfer, attained bachelor’s degree

Continuous, no transfer, attained associate’s degree

Continuous, no transfer, attained certificate

No degree, continuous, enrolled at institution

No degree, stopout, returned to institution

No degree, stopout, enrolled at new institution

No degree, no stopout, enrolled at new institution

No degree, left without return

For this analysis, the categories were aggregated as follows:

Attained bachelor’s degree

Attained associate’s degree

Attained certificate

Still enrolled

Left without return

Transferred

Transfer status/First transfer direction PRTRTYB1

Identifies the type of first transfer among students who transferred by June 1998. Immediate transfers are those occurring without a break in enrollment of more than four months, and thus occur within the first enrollment spell. Delayed transfers are those which occur following a stopout of five or more months. A downward transfer is a move

from one institution to a lower level institution. Upward or lateral transfers are those involving a move from one institution to another with an equal or higher level. All possible response categories are as follows:

Did not transfer by spring 1988

Immediate, downward transfer

Immediate, upward/lateral transfer

Delayed, downward transfer

Delayed, upward/lateral transfer
Appendix A—Glossary

230

For this analysis, the categories were aggregated as follows:

Did not transfer

Transferred

 Downward transfer

 Upward or lateral transfer 

Age during first month enrolled SBAGFM

Respondent’s age, calculated from date of birth and first month enrolled, on the first day of the first month enrolled

in postsecondary education.

18 years or younger

19 years

20–23 years

24–29 years

30 or older

Dependency status when began at first institution SBDEP1Y1

Student dependency status in 1995–96. Students were considered independent if

1. Student was 24 years old or older as of 12/31/1995;

2. Student was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;

3. Student was married;

4. Student was an orphan or ward of the court;

5. Student had legal dependents, other than spouse; or

6. Student could document self-sufficiency or lack of parental support.

Dependent

Independent

Number of children when first enrolled SBDPNY1

Number of dependent children of respondent in 1995.

None

One or more

Gender SBGENDER

Student gender based on student- or institution-reported gender.

Male

Female
Appendix A—Glossary

231

Marital status and children when first enrolled SBMRCHY1

Marital status, dependency, and whether respondent had dependent children in 1995.

Single, no children (dependent)

Single, no children (independent)

Single with children

Married Includes students who were married with no children and married with children.

Race/ethnicity SBRACECI

White, non-Hispanic A person having origins in any of the original people of

Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East (except those of Hispanic origin).

Black, non-Hispanic A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of

Africa, not of Hispanic origin.

Hispanic A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South

American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of

race.

Asian/Pacific Islander A person having origins in any of the peoples of the Far East,

Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or Pacific Islands.

This includes people from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippine

Islands, Samoa, India, and Vietnam.

American Indian/Alaskan Native A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North

America and who maintains cultural identification through

tribal affiliation or community recognition.

Number of risk factors when first enrolled SBRSK1Y1

The sum of 7 characteristics known to adversely affect persistence and attainment. Characteristics include:

1. Delayed enrollment,

2. No high school diploma including GED recipients

3. Part-time enrollment

4. Financial independence

5. Having dependents other than spouse

6. Single parent status,

7. Working full-time while enrolled 35 hours or more.

For this analysis, the categories were aggregated as follows:

None

One

Two or three

Four or more
Appendix A—Glossary

232

Single parent status SBSINGY1

Indicates whether student had dependents and was not married during 1995–96.

Not a single parent

Single parent

Student/employee role SEROLEY1

Student’s response to CATI question in NPSAS:96: “While you were enrolled and working, would you say you were

primarily a student working to meet expenses or an employee who’s decided to enroll in school?”

Did not work while enrolled

Student working to meet expenses

Employee who’s decided to enroll

Dependent family income SFINDP94

Total income of parents of dependent student during the 1994 calendar year. Categories represent family income

quartiles of beginning dependent students.

Less than $25,000

$25,000–44,999

45,000–69,999

70,000 or greater

Income of independent student 1994 SFININ94

Total income for independent students (and spouse) during 1994 calendar. Categories represent beginning independent student income quartiles.

Less than 6,000

6,000–14,999

15,000–24,999

25,000 or greater

Number of Advanced Placement tests taken TEAPNUMB

Student response to question, “Did you take any advanced placement tests? Which ones did you take and what was

your score?” Asked on NPSAS:96 student CATI. The categories for this analysis are:

None

One

More than one
Appendix A—Glossary

233

Derived SAT combined score TESATDER

Student’s Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I Reasoning Test) combined score, which is either the sum of SAT verbal and mathematics scores or the ACT Assessment (American College Testing program) composite score converted

to an estimated SAT combined score using a concordance table.38 Constructed from agency-reported, institutionreported, or student-reported SAT or ACT scores in the following order of precedence (with corresponding percentages of beginning postsecondary students):

1. Agency-reported (ETS) SAT verbal and math scores (30%);

2. Agency-reported (ACT) ACT composite scores (22%);

3. Institution-reported (CADE) SAT verbal and math scores (2%);

4. Institution-reported (CADE) ACT composite scores (1%);

5. Student-reported (CATI) SAT verbal and math scores (1%);

6. Student-reported (CATI) ACT composite scores (1%).

All SAT scores are provided in original (not recentered) scale. Applies to cases having any reported ACT composite

score or SAT verbal and mathematics scores (56 percent of all beginning postsecondary students and 95 percent of

those beginning at 4-year institutions). For this analysis, the scores were aggregated according to the lowest, two

middle, and highest quartiles in the BPS sample.

Lowest quartile (400–700)

Middle quartiles (710–1020)

High quartile (1030–1600)

 

38G. Marco, A. Abdel-Fattah, and B. Barton. Methods Used to Establish Score Comparability on the Enhanced ACT Assessment

and the SAT (College Board Report 92–3) (New York: College Entrance Examination Board, 1992).
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235

Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

The Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal Study (BPS:96/98)

The Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal Study (BPS) is composed of the students who participated in the 1995–96 National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey (NPSAS:96)

who enrolled in postsecondary education for the first time in 1995–96. The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) is a comprehensive nationwide study conducted by the U.S.

Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to determine how

students and their families pay for postsecondary education.39 It also describes demographic and

other characteristics of students enrolled. The study is based on a nationally representative sample of all students in postsecondary education institutions, including undergraduate, graduate, and

first-professional students. For NPSAS:96, information was obtained from more than 830 postsecondary institutions on approximately 44,500 undergraduate, 8,700 graduate, and 2,500 firstprofessional students. They represented about 16.7 million undergraduates, 2.4 million graduate

students, and 300,000 first-professional students who were enrolled at some time between July 1,

1995 and June 30, 1996.

The BPS sample consists of approximately 12,000 students identified in NPSAS:96 who

were beginning postsecondary education for the first time. Unlike other NCES longitudinal surveys (such as High School and Beyond) which are based on age-specific cohorts, the BPS sample

is more likely to include some of the increasing numbers of “nontraditional” postsecondary students, such as those who have delayed their education due to financial need or family responsibilities. The first follow-up of the BPS cohort (BPS:96/98) occurred in the spring and summer of

1998, approximately 3 years after they first enrolled. Approximately 10,300 of the students who

first began in 1995–96 were located and interviewed in the first follow-up. The weighted effective response rate for potential members of the BPS cohort in the NPSAS:96 base year was 77.6

percent. The weighted effective response rate in the 1998 follow-up of the NPSAS:96 respon-

 

39For more information on the NPSAS survey, consult U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics,

Methodology Report for the 1995–96 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NCES 98–073) (Washington, DC: 1997). Additional information is also available at the NPSAS website http://nces.ed.gov/npsas.
Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

236

dents was 85.9 percent. The overall weighted response rate (including those who were nonrespondents in NPSAS:96) for the BPS:96/98 first follow-up was 79.8 percent.40

The BPS:96/98 Data Analysis System includes a sample weight for cross-sectional analysis

of the students in 1995–96 (B98IAWT) and for longitudinal analysis of the sample through 1998

(B98AWT). All of the tables and estimates in this report used the longitudinal analysis weight.

Accuracy of Estimates

The statistics in this report are estimates derived from a sample. Two broad categories of

error occur in such estimates: sampling and nonsampling errors. Sampling errors occur because

observations are made only on samples of students, not entire populations. Nonsampling errors

occur not only in sample surveys but also in complete censuses of entire populations. Nonsampling errors can be attributed to a number of sources: inability to obtain complete information

about all students in all institutions in the sample (some students or institutions refused to participate, or students participated but answered only certain items); ambiguous definitions; differences in interpreting questions; inability or unwillingness to give correct information; mistakes in

recording or coding data; and other errors of collecting, processing, sampling, and imputing

missing data.

Data Analysis System

The estimates presented in this report were produced using the BPS:98 Data Analysis Systems (DAS). The DAS software makes it possible for users to specify and generate their own tables from the BPS:98 data. With the DAS, users can replicate or expand upon the tables

presented in this report. In addition to the table estimates, the DAS calculates proper standard

errors41 and weighted sample sizes for these estimates. For example, table B1 contains standard

errors that correspond to table 1 in the essay of this report, and was generated by the DAS. If the

number of valid cases is too small to produce a reliable estimate (less than 30 cases), the DAS

prints the message “low-N” instead of the estimate.

 

40For more information on the BPS:96/98 survey, consult U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study First Follow-up 1996–98, Methodology Report (NCES 2000–157)

(Washington, DC: 2000).

41The BPS:98 samples are not simple random samples and, therefore, simple random sample techniques for estimating sampling

error cannot be applied to these data. The DAS takes into account the complexity of the sampling procedures and calculates standard errors appropriate for such samples. The method for computing sampling errors used by the DAS involves approximating

the estimator by the linear terms of a Taylor series expansion. The procedure is typically referred to as the Taylor series method.
Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

237

Table B1—Standard errors for table 1.1: Percentage distribution of 1995–96 beginning postsecondary 

Table B1—students according to the highest degree attained and 3-year persistence and attainment status 

Table B1—as of spring 1998, by first institution attended and first degree program

No

Attained, No degree,

Associate’s Bachelor’s not Attained, degree, not

None Certificate degree degree enrolled enrolled enrolled enrolled

 Total 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.1 0.8 0.5 1.1 1.0

Type of first institution

 4-year

 Public 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 1.5 1.3

 Private, not-for-profit 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.5 1.9 1.6

 Private, for-profit 4.4 2.4 6.2 3.1 1.9 3.0 8.8 6.1

 2-year

 Public 1.7 1.4 1.3 0.0 1.2 1.0 1.7 1.8

 Private, not-for-profit 4.2 3.3 3.8 1.5 5.0 2.6 4.1 3.7

 Private, for-profit 3.3 3.4 3.0 0.0 3.7 2.1 3.4 2.5

 Less-than-2-year

 Public 7.9 7.7 0.4 0.0 8.4 1.7 3.0 7.8

 Private, for-profit 3.2 3.3 0.6 0.0 3.5 1.4 1.2 4.0

Level of first institution

 4-year 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 1.2 1.0

 2-year 1.6 1.3 1.2 0.0 1.2 0.9 1.6 1.6

 Less-than-2-year 3.0 3.0 0.5 0.0 3.2 1.2 1.1 3.5

Control of first institution

 Public 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.1 0.8 0.7 1.3 1.2

 Private, not-for-profit 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.5 1.9 1.6

 Private, for-profit 2.4 2.7 1.2 0.1 2.7 1.2 1.4 2.7

Degree program at first institution

 Certificate 2.9 2.9 0.6 0.0 2.9 1.1 1.9 3.0

 Associate’s degree 1.4 0.5 1.4 0.0 0.5 1.1 1.7 1.7

 Bachelor’s degree 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.0 1.0

Degree goal at first institution

 None 1.6 1.2 1.1 0.1 1.3 0.9 2.9 2.9

 Certificate 3.4 3.4 0.7 0.0 3.2 1.4 1.9 3.4

 Associate’s degree 2.0 0.9 2.0 0.1 0.9 1.7 2.4 2.4

 Bachelor’s degree or 

 transfer to 4-year 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.5 1.3 1.1

First sub-baccalaureate degree attained

 None 0.0 ††† †† 1.1 1.1

 Certificate † 0.8 0.7 0.3 2.4 2.4 † †

 Associate’s degree † 0.0 0.7 0.7 3.8 3.8 † †

†Not applicable.

NOTE: Details may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1995–96 Beginning Postsecondary Students

Longitudinal Study, First Follow-up (BPS:96/98).

Highest degree attained

Total 3-year persistence and attainment
Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

238

In addition to tables, the DAS will also produce a correlation matrix of selected variables to

be used for linear regression models. Included in the output with the correlation matrix are the

design effects (DEFTs) for each variable in the matrix. Since statistical procedures generally

compute regression coefficients based on simple random sample assumptions, the standard errors

must be adjusted with the design effects to take into account the BPS:98 stratified sampling

method.

The DAS can be accessed electronically at www.nces.ed.gov/DAS. For more information

about BPS:98 Data Analysis System, contact:

Aurora D’Amico

NCES Postsecondary and Educational Outcomes Longitudinal Studies

555 New Jersey Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20208-5652

(202) 219-1365

Internet address: Adamico@inet.ed.gov

Statistical Procedures

Differences Between Means

The descriptive comparisons were tested in this report using Student’s t statistic. Differences between estimates are tested against the probability of a Type I error,42 or significance

level. The significance levels were determined by calculating the Student’s t values for the differences between each pair of means or proportions and comparing these with published tables of

significance levels for two-tailed hypothesis testing.

Student’s t values may be computed to test the difference between estimates with the following formula:

2

2

2

1

1 2

se se

E E

t

+

− = (1)

where E1 and E2 are the estimates to be compared and se1 and se2 are their corresponding standard errors. This formula is valid only for independent estimates. When estimates are not independent, a covariance term must be added to the formula:

 

42A Type I error occurs when one concludes that a difference observed in a sample reflects a true difference in the population

from which the sample was drawn, when no such difference is present.
Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

239

E -E

se + se - 2(r)se se

1 2

1

2

2

2

1 2 (2)

where r is the correlation between the two estimates.43 This formula is used when comparing two

percentages from a distribution that adds to 100. If the comparison is between the mean of a subgroup and the mean of the total group, the following formula is used:

E E

se se p se

sub tot

sub tot sub

−

+ − 22 2 2 

(3)

where p is the proportion of the total group contained in the subgroup.44 The estimates, standard

errors, and correlations can all be obtained from the DAS.

There are hazards in reporting statistical tests for each comparison. First, comparisons

based on large t statistics may appear to merit special attention. This can be misleading since the

magnitude of the t statistic is related not only to the observed differences in means or percentages

but also to the number of students in the specific categories used for comparison. Hence, a small

difference compared across a large number of students would produce a large t statistic.

A second hazard in reporting statistical tests for each comparison occurs when making

multiple comparisons among categories of an independent variable. For example, when making

paired comparisons among different levels of income, the probability of a Type I error for these

comparisons taken as a group is larger than the probability for a single comparison. When more

than one difference between groups of related characteristics or “families” are tested for statistical significance, one must apply a standard that assures a level of significance for all of those

comparisons taken together.

Comparisons were made in this report only when p< .05/k for a particular pairwise comparison, where that comparison was one of k tests within a family. This guarantees both that the

individual comparison would have p< .05 and that for k comparisons within a family of possible

comparisons, the significance level for all the comparisons will sum to p< .05.45

For example, in a comparison of the percentages of males and females who enrolled in

postsecondary education, only one comparison is possible (males versus females). In this family,

 

43U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, A Note from the Chief Statistician, no. 2, 1993.

44Ibid.

45The standard that p≤ .05/k for each comparison is more stringent than the criterion that the significance level of the comparisons should sum to p≤ .05. For tables showing the t statistic required to ensure that p≤ .05/k for a particular family size and degrees of freedom, see Olive Jean Dunn, “Multiple Comparisons Among Means,” Journal of the American Statistical Association

56 (1961): 52–64.
Appendix B—Technical Notes and Methodology

240

k=1, and the comparison can be evaluated without adjusting the significance level. When students are divided into five racial–ethnic groups and all possible comparisons are made, then k=10

and the significance level of each test must be p< .05/10, or p< .005. The formula for calculating

family size (k) is as follows:

k j j = ( ) −1

2 (4)

where j is the number of categories for the variable being tested. In the case of race–ethnicity,

there are five racial–ethnic groups (American Indian/Alaskan Native; Asian/Pacific Islander;

black, non-Hispanic; Hispanic; and white, non-Hispanic), so substituting 5 for j in equation 4,

k = 5(5 -1)

2

=10