Structured within an expanded econometric theoretical framework, this study uses national data sources to identify the critical factors that influence college graduates' advance to and persistence in graduate education and to compare the systematic differences between students in the STEM and non-STEM majors. The findings indicate that there is a high attrition rate from graduate education in both STEM and non-STEM majors. Male, Caucasian, and students who received their bachelor degree at a traditional (younger) age are more likely to attend and complete graduate education, regardless of academic major. Major-based differences are apparent in the impact from variables including parents' education, total undergraduate debt, institution selectivity, and student's academic background measured by SAT/ACT scores and cumulative GPA in undergraduate major.