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…

The number of employed Americans increased but so did the number of those without jobs, as recovery from the 1980 recession proved to be brief; the family income of high-wage workers exceeded the poverty level, even when unemployed. (Author/SSH)