Project Information

Institutional Factors

Research suggests that the vast majority of students, including minority students, who enter a doctoral program have the academic ability to complete the degree. For any given Ph.D. student, however, institutional and program characteristics emerge as key factors influencing student outcomes. Six broad categories of institutional factors influence the likelihood that a particular student will complete a Ph.D. program: selection processes; mentoring; financial support; processes and procedures; program environment; and research mode of field. The Ph.D. Completion Project supports interventions and innovations in these areas and others that may be identified.