The Importance of Demographics in Explaining Attainment Patterns

Authors

  • Arthur M Hauptman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2014.76.5520

Keywords:

Demographics, attainment rates, degrees awarded, international comparisons

Abstract

This article examines the role that demographics and population trends play in determining attainment rates in countries around the world.  For the U.S., consistent increases over time in the numbers of degrees awarded have been offset by increases in birthrates among minority groups and immigration among poorly educated workers, both of which tend to depress the attainment rate.  By contrast, many of the countries that have overtaken the U.S. in their higher education attainment rates have declining numbers of young adults.  This means that they are educating a higher share of a declining base of workers which will have adverse effects on their ability to meet their labor force needs in the future.

Author Biography

Arthur M Hauptman

Arthur M. Hauptman is an independent policy consultant specializing in higher education finance issues

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Published

2014-05-11

How to Cite

Hauptman, A. M. (2014). The Importance of Demographics in Explaining Attainment Patterns. International Higher Education, (76), 6–7. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2014.76.5520

Issue

No. 76: Summer 2014

Section

American Themes in Global Perspective

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