Examines the returns to subbaccalaureate credentials and coursework, using the postsecondary transcripts of the National Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972. Results indicate substantial variety in the returns and suggest clear differences between the subbaccalaureate labor market and that for individuals with baccalaureate degrees. (56…

Earnings inequality in the United States rose in the late 1960s, stabilized for the most part in the 1970s, and began to grow again in the 1980s. The recent increase arises from changes in labor demand and not from demographic characteristics of U.S. workers. (Author)

Explores changes in the distribution of the pretax wages and salaries of individuals between 1960 and 1980. Examines a series of possible explanations of increasing inequality, rejecting some as unimportant and finding others responsible for some parts of increases in inequality. (JOW)

Transcript data from the National Longitudinal Study confirmed economic returns for bachelor's degrees and found indirect returns for associate degrees and certificates. Those who enroll in but fail to complete postsecondary education have earnings comparable to high school graduates. Fundamental differences in labor markets for college graduates…

An analysis of the 1984, 1987, and 1990 Survey of Income and Program Participation shows that the benefits of sub-baccalaureate credentials (associate degrees and certificates) are generally positive and statistically significant. However, the benefits of completing some postsecondary education but failing to earn credentials are much lower,…

Employers often use education and other ability measures as indicators of unmeasured ability dimensions. This paper presents tests of signaling, relying on differences in earnings functions for salaried individuals in screened occupations versus self-employed individuals in unscreened positions. Vocational associate degrees and high school grades…

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) was used to compare estimates of the benefits of education among different levels of education and thereby identify the returns to education and training in the subbaccalaureate labor market. The study data consisted of information on the educational attainment and income of 14,537 (7,981…

What is known about proprietary schools and their effects on wages and earnings is summarized, with particular attention to aid to proprietary school students and student characteristics. Overall, findings provide little support for proprietary schools. One implication is that assumptions necessary for student loans are not met. (SLD)