– SEM majors persisted and graduated at higher rates, but took longer to graduate than non-SEM majors.
– The departure rates within SEM were highest for underrepresented minorities and needy.
– Whites, Asians, and females in SEM graduated at faster rates than underrepresented minorities and males. White and Asian SEM students were twice as likely to graduate in four years compared to underrepresented minorities.
-Women, underrepresented minorities, and needy students received more gift aid than other student populations. However, only women had lower departure rates and graduated at higher rates than other SEM student populations.
– Compared to non-SEM majors, gift aid for SEM majors was more likely to be awarded on the basis of merit rather than need.
– Average loan indebtedness increased rapidly from 1989-90 through 1996-97 for both SEM and non-SEM majors.