The Path to Timely Completion: Supply- and Demand-Side Policy Analyses of Time to Degree

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Postsecondary Student Mobility Policies and Practices

Abstract

National trends indicate that the time to complete a bachelor’s degree continues to increase, with more than half of graduates taking more than four years to completion. This study addresses the underlying causes of increases in time-to-degree, comparing the effects of demand- and supply-side factors. We merge longitudinal data on Texas undergraduates with IPEDS data to compare the effects of demand-side factors (student preparation, reductions in ability to pay for higher education, or reduction in student motivation) and supply-side institutional factors (reduced financial aid, more rigorous graduation requirements, inadequate student counseling). Our results provide insight to design effective policies to decrease the public and private costs of a college degree.

Authors

• Jenna Cullinane, The University of Texas - Austin

• Jane Arnold Lincove, The University of Texas - Austin