Rural youth are a diverse group not only geographically, but socioeconomically, ethnically, and culturally as well. Historically, the rural student has not achieved as well as his urban counterpart in high school or in post secondary education. There is evidence that this is beginning to change and that rural students are doing as well or better than urban students, but are still slightly behind surburban students. Rural youth are at a disadvantage on the job market; schools have not adequately trained them for the world of work when compared to other youth. The paper also reports on occupational, educational, and residence aspirations and expectations. Comparisons of self concept and values between rural and other students are also discussed. (EE)