This study examines the hypothesis that undergraduate research experiences (UREs) enhance the educational experience of science undergraduates, attract and retain talented students to science careers, and act as a pathway for minority students into science careers. The survey was completed by 1,135 undergraduates from 41 institutions, representing a 74% response rate. The results show that over 83% of participants began or continued to plan for postgraduate education in the sciences. Students who discontinued their plans reported significantly lower gains. Women and men reported similar levels of benefits and career plans, while ethnic groups did not significantly differ in reported benefits or plans to continue postgraduate education. The study found that UREs sustained or confirmed the interest of most students in pursuing graduate education, with only a small percentage changing their plans. Students who changed their plans were more likely to have had higher learning gains and more positive overall evaluations of their research experience. The findings suggest that UREs enhance the educational experience, attract and retain students to science careers, and provide a pathway for minority students to pursue scientific careers.This study examines the hypothesis that undergraduate research experiences (UREs) enhance the educational experience of science undergraduates, attract and retain talented students to science careers, and act as a pathway for minority students into science careers. The survey was completed by 1,135 undergraduates from 41 institutions, representing a 74% response rate. The results show that over 83% of participants began or continued to plan for postgraduate education in the sciences. Students who discontinued their plans reported significantly lower gains. Women and men reported similar levels of benefits and career plans, while ethnic groups did not significantly differ in reported benefits or plans to continue postgraduate education. The study found that UREs sustained or confirmed the interest of most students in pursuing graduate education, with only a small percentage changing their plans. Students who changed their plans were more likely to have had higher learning gains and more positive overall evaluations of their research experience. The findings suggest that UREs enhance the educational experience, attract and retain students to science careers, and provide a pathway for minority students to pursue scientific careers.