The U.S. Degree Attainment Paradox: Progress Amid Declining Global Standing

Across all countries participating in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Education at a Glance surveys, the proportion of tertiary degree holders with a bachelor’s degree has been increasing over time. The United States has also increased its tertiary degree attainment, but across all metrics, its relative standing in degree attainment has declined over time. This presentation outlines why the United States’ relative standing has decreased and illustrates why implementing a national policy to increase the tertiary attainment rate is challenging in the U.S. context.