Higher Education

In these indicators, higher education includes two education levels, covering vocational programs to advanced graduate degrees. The first level contains two types of programs: vocational programs and academic programs. The vocational programs provide a level of education that is designed to prepare students to enter directly into the labor market. Academic programs at the first level of higher education—referred to as bachelor degree programs in the United States—are intended to provide sufficient qualifications for gaining entry into advanced research programs and professions with high skill requirements. The second level of higher education includes doctoral studies and usually requires the completion of a research thesis or dissertation.

Participation in Education

First University Degrees by Field of Study: 2004

In science, mathematics, and engineering-related fields, the United States awarded the lowest percentage of first university degrees of all the G-8 countries.

Foreign Students in Higher Education: 2004

Among the G-8 countries, the United States had the most foreign students (in absolute numbers) enrolled in higher education, but foreign students made up a higher percentage of enrollment in higher education in Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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