Post-Secondary Education Options and the Rate of Persistence to Graduate Studies: Trend in a Minnesota Higher Institution between 2007 and 2019

Abstract

Earlier research on Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) has produced insights on policies, with emphasis on legislating the enrollment of high-school students who are taking college credits through the program. Previous studies have focused on what are considered impediments to the program, improving governance, and assessment, with a view on academic performance in undergraduate programs, however, with limited attention to higher learning and lifelong learning. Based on the literature, PSEO has served as an early pathway to higher education for academically advanced students, which has also served as a good form of transition to higher education. Despite this, so much is unknown about various aspects of the success of the program. This current study focus specifically on the rate of PSEO participant who enters a graduate and or professional degree program after earning an undergraduate degree, based on admittance in a Mid-western private liberal art university between 2007 to 2019.  The result shows that 13% are likely to persist to earn a graduate or professional degree after completing their undergraduate degree.