This indicator represents the rate at which the states are training new SEH doctorate recipients for entry into the workforce. High values indicate relatively large production of new doctorate holders compared with the existing stock of employed doctorate holders. States with relatively low values may need to attract SEH doctorate holders from elsewhere to meet the needs of local employers.

Data on doctorates conferred and employed doctorate holders include those with doctoral degrees in computer and mathematical sciences; the biological, agricultural, or environmental life sciences; physical sciences; social sciences; psychology; engineering; and health fields. Both sets of data exclude individuals with doctorates from foreign institutions as well as those older than 75. Data for doctorates conferred are presented by the location where the doctorate was earned; employment data for doctorate holders are presented by employment location regardless of residence. Estimates for states with smaller populations of employed doctorate holders are generally less precise than estimates for states with larger populations.

The indicator does not take into account any post-graduation mobility of recent SEH doctorate recipients to their place of employment. Doctorate recipients with temporary visas may decide to return home after graduation to begin their careers. The indicator also does not cover individuals with non-U.S. SEH doctorates who are working in the United States.

Data sources: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates, and Survey of Doctorate Recipients.