College Graduates in the Labor Market: Today and the Future.

This research brief reviews recent and projected trends in the economy and the implications of those trends for the college-educated population in the labor market. Tables provide data on: (1) labor force participation rate by educational attainment and race, for 1978 and 1988; (2) unemployment rate by educational attainment and race, for 1978 and 1988; (3) median income for men and women by age and educational attainment; (4) projected percent change in employment by occupational categories; and (5) percent distribution of the civilian labor force by sex and race for 1976, 1988, and 2000 ( projected). Data indicate that the percentage of college graduates in the labor force increased from 1978 to 1988; that college graduates have higher labor force participation rates, have lower unemployment rates, and earn more; and that the hiring of college graduates is expected to increase as an increased percentage of the jobs of the future require a postsecondary education. Policy implications are considered, such as increased demand for postsecondary education as the labor market requires higher levels of education and skills, colleges' need to address higher cognitive learning skills, and the role of higher education in increasing minority access to college. The research brief concludes with 3 data resources, a bibliography of 11 items, and 3 end notes. (JDD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. .!,vc**,.,*,.:**************************************************************** RESEARCH BRIEFS Volume 1, Number 5 1990 Division of Policy Analysis and Research American Council on Education, Washington, D.C.