To support rural postsecondary students' college access and completion, researchers, policy makers, and educators need a more comprehensive understanding of their demographic characteristics and financial needs, especially compared to nonrural students. Previous rural-nonrural analyses have not disaggregated students by degree type (bachelor's,…

Transitions to postsecondary education for GED graduates are a growing concern for educators and policy makers. This article analyzes the educational, demographic, and financial characteristics of Pennsylvania postsecondary students with a GED credential compared with traditional high school graduates, and identifies rural-urban differences within…

Current Population Survey data were used to examine how the changing structure of the job market during the 1980s affected the economic well-being of households. Results reveal increasing hardship among vulnerable populations such as nonmetropolitan families, single-parent families, and minority (particularly Hispanic) households. (Author/SV)