The Dropout Rate Among PhD Students: Understanding the Statistics and Reasons Behind It

The percentage of PhD students who do not complete their doctorate and quit varies widely across different fields. While in some scientific disciplines, such as natural sciences, many students may find successful completion of their PhDs demanding, the humanities often see even higher dropout rates. This article explores the dropout rate among PhD students, the reasons behind it, and the challenges faced by those pursuing these degrees.

Global Statistics on PhD Dropout Rates

It is well-known that a significant number of PhD students do not complete their doctorate. According to a study by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States, more than 50% of PhD students leave their program without earning a degree. This statistic is consistent with the anecdotal evidence provided by academic advisors and seasoned researchers across various fields.

For instance, in my own PhD program, an advisor mentioned that only about 40% of students generally complete the program, with the rest failing their defense or dropping out before the final stage. This stark figure highlights the intense demands and the lengthy process required to complete a PhD.

Reasons for Dropping Out

There are several reasons why students choose to drop out of PhD programs. One of the primary reasons is that many students enter these programs without a clear understanding of what PhD training entails. They might be driven by the idea that a PhD is a symbol of intellectual achievement or a social title, which is often not sufficient motivation to sustain the rigorous academic and personal demands.

Additionally, the demanding nature of PhD programs, which requires extensive reading, rigorous exams, and often long working hours, can be overwhelming. Students need to study 10-12 hours a day every day of the week to keep up with the work, and they must remember everything they read in hundreds of books. This intense workload and mental strain can lead to frustration and ultimately, dropout.

Challenges and Programs

The challenges faced by PhD students are multifaceted. For one, the comprehensive examinations required for passing graduate exams can be particularly challenging. These exams often assess deep knowledge in specialized areas and may involve extensive reading. When I was a doctoral student, the requirement to pass graduate exams in three foreign languages seemed grueling to most students. Reading almost 1,000 books to prepare for comprehensive exams required genuine commitment and dedication.

Another challenge is the high stakes involved in PhD programs. Students often feel immense pressure to succeed on their qualifying exams, which often only a small fraction of students pass. In my own experience at Purdue University, fewer than 25% of students passed these qualifying exams in each round, with two rounds per year. Those who do not pass these exams face a significant setback and are likely to leave the program without a degree.

Eventual Outcomes and Consolation Prizes

It is worth noting that many students who drop out of PhD programs with a "failure to complete" generally earn an MS (Master of Science) degree along the way. These students often start with the goal of obtaining a PhD but settle for an MS for various reasons. They might have overcome their initial challenges, changed their career goals, or simply found the PhD program too demanding.

For instance, in my case, I started with the intention to get a PhD but found my initial years of graduate school more challenging than I had anticipated. After passing my qualifier exams, I decided to pursue a master's degree before continuing for a total of six years to obtain my PhD. The real gatekeeper was the qualifying exams, with only a small fraction of students passing each round.

Even if students do not complete their PhDs, they often still walk away with a valuable MS degree from a reputable institution. This degree can serve as a consolation prize and open up other career paths. Many who earn an MS degree may choose to continue their studies elsewhere and ultimately complete their PhD.

Conclusion

The dropout rate among PhD students highlights the intense demands and personal sacrifices required to complete a PhD. While challenges and dropout rates vary across different fields, the common thread is the rigorous academic and personal demands. Understanding the reasons behind dropout rates and the eventual outcomes can help students make informed decisions about pursuing and completing their PhDs.