National Survey of Recent College Graduates

The National Survey of Recent College Graduates, conducted from 1973 through 2010, was a cross-sectional biennial survey that provided demographic and career information about individuals holding a bachelor's or master's degree in a science, engineering, or health field from a U.S. academic institution. The survey sampled individuals living in the United States who received their degree in the prior 2 or 3 academic years and were under age 76. Results from the NSRCG help data users understand and predict trends in education, employment opportunities, and salaries of recent graduates.

Survey Description

Questionnaires

Data Tables

• Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT), 2013(A)
  Data Tables | September 30, 2015
• Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT), 2010(A)
  Data Tables | February 18, 2015
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National Survey of Recent College Graduates, 2010(A)
Data Tables | June 23, 2014
Characteristics of Recent Science and Engineering Graduates: 2008(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 12-328 | August 30, 2012
Characteristics of Recent Science and Engineering Graduates: 2006(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 10-318 | August 10, 2010
Characteristics of Recent Science and Engineering Graduates: 2003(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 06-329 | November 6, 2006
Characteristics of Recent S&E Graduates: 2001(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 04-302 | January 1, 2004
Characteristics of Recent S&E Graduates:1999(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 03-319 | June 25, 2003
Characteristics of Recent S&E Graduates: 1997(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 01-337 | October 29, 2001
Characteristics of Recent S&E Graduates: 1995(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 97-333 | February 25, 1998
Characteristics of Recent S&E Graduates: 1993(A)
Detailed Statistical Tables | NSF 96-309 | May 1, 1997
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Data Tools

• SESTAT (Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System)

Microdata

• Public use files
• Restricted use files

InfoBriefs

• Immigrants' Growing Presence in the U.S. Science and Engineering Workforce: Education and Employment Characteristics in 2013(A)
  InfoBriefs | NSF 15-328 | September 10, 2015
• Employment and Educational Characteristics of Scientists and Engineers(A)
  InfoBriefs | NSF 13-311 | January 7, 2013
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Community Colleges: Playing an Important Role in the Education of Science, Engineering, and Health Graduates(A)
InfoBriefs | NSF 11-317 | June 27, 2011
An Overview of Science, Engineering, and Health Graduates: 2006(A)
InfoBriefs | NSF 08-304 | March 10, 2008 (Revised: March 31, 2008)
Recent Engineering and Computer Science Graduates Continue to Earn the Highest Salaries(A)
InfoBriefs | NSF 06-303 | December 9, 2005
Employment Outcomes of Recent S&E Graduates Vary by Field of Degree and Sector of Employment(A)
InfoBriefs | NSF 04-316 | May 6, 2004
Employment Status of Recent S&E Graduates Varies by Level and Field of Degree(A)
InfoBriefs | NSF 95-308 | May 25, 1995
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Special Reports

• Publications Output: U.S. Trends and International Comparisons
  Special Reports | NSB 2021-4 | October 28, 2021
• Science and Technology: Public Perceptions, Awareness, and Information Sources
  Special Reports | NSB 2022-7 | May 4, 2022
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Academic Research and Development
Special Reports | NSB 2021-3 | September 14, 2021
The STEM Labor Force of Today: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers
Special Reports | NSB 2021-2 | August 31, 2021
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: 2017
Special Reports | NSF 17-310 | January 30, 2017
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: 2015(A)
Special Reports | NSF 15-311 | January 30, 2015
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: Data Update
Special Reports | NSF 13-304 | October 31, 2014
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: Data Update
Special Reports | NSF 13-304AB | November 14, 2013
Retention of the Best S&E Graduates in S&E(A)
Special Reports | NSF 99-321 | February 23, 1999
Interstate Migration Patterns of Recent Recipients of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in S&E(A)
Special Reports | NSF 05-318 | August 29, 2005
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Working Papers

• Using the American Community Survey as the Sampling Frame for the National Survey of College Graduates(A)
  Working Papers | NCSES 12-201 | August 17, 2012
• Incentive Experiments: NSF Experiences(A)
  Working Papers | SRS 11-200 | November 3, 2010
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Current and Alternative Sources of Data on the Science and Engineering Workforce(A)
Working Papers | SRS 07-202 | June 8, 2007
Design Options for SESTAT for the Current Decade: Statistical Issues(A)
Working Papers | SRS 07-201 | June 8, 2007
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SESTAT: Characteristics of Scientists and Engineers in the United States

Tabular data, generated from the SESTAT data system, provides a profile the U.S. science and engineering (S&E) workforce. The tabulations include characteristics of all U.S. scientists and engineers, employed scientists and engineers, and salaries information for scientists and engineers. Data are presented by degree field and occupation, and by characteristics such as sex, race, ethnicity, age and citizenship. Learn about the redesign of SESTAT.

Science and Engineering Indicators

This biennial report to Congress provides a broad base of quantitative information about U.S. science, engineering, and technology.

Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in S&E

This series presents trends in the participation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering fields. Topics include higher-education enrollments, degrees, institutions, and financial support and employment status, occupations, sectors, and salaries.