Examination of contradictory data show that during the 1980s college graduates' earnings increased relative to those with less education. More college graduates were employed in jobs not requiring degrees; employers had sufficient numbers to fill jobs requiring degrees. Economic restructuring rather than a shortage of college graduates appears to…

Presents tables of data from the Current Population Survey showing a clear relationship between major field and earnings for college graduates of all ages and both sexes. Most liberal arts fields were below the median. Men had higher earnings in almost all fields, age groups, and degree levels. (SK)

Among college graduates, women earned 73% as much as men in 1993. However, when earnings of women were compared with those of men in the same major field of study, at the same level degree, and in the same age group, about half the women earned at least 87% as much as the men. (Author)