OECD: Low Graduation Rate Bogs German Economy

The number of young Germans who graduate from university is markedly less than in other industrial nations and that's weakened Germany's economic performance, according to the OECD. In a new study, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Tuesday that in Germany only 19 percent of an annual student intake finally reaches graduation. Among all OECD nations, the average is much higher -- at 30 percent. The Paris-based organization says tertiary education in Germany has stagnated since the 1980s, whereas other industry nations have boosted their education levels. Even taking into account Germany's alternative system of vocational training in the skilled trades sector, the OECD study concluded that Germany has slipped since the mid-90s from fourth position to No. 12. Two years ago, an OECD ranking of school pupils' skills shocked Germany.