This Department of Education (ED) Tabulation provides data in six tables on the effect of delay in entering postsecondary education (PE) on degree attainment for 1972, 1980, and 1982 high school graduates. The data compare the patterns of delay in PE among these three cohorts by pattern of enrollment, type of institution, and selected student characteristics. Estimates in the six tables were based on either the National Longitudinal Study of 1972 high school seniors, the High School and Beyond 1980 senior cohort, or the High School and Beyond 1980 sophomore cohort. Data elements used in this analysis for the 1980 senior and sophomore cohorts were drawn from the base year and first through third follow-up surveys. Data for the 1972 senior cohort were drawn from the base year, first through fifth follow-ups, and transcript file. The data show that delays in beginning PE lower the rate of degree attainment. Students who begin PE immediately after graduating from high school are more likely to complete a postsecondary degree than are those who delay entry. Students in 4-year institutions who delayed initial enrollment were more likely to attain their degree than were those who delayed while at other types of institutions. A table displays the location of a few key statistics and their standard errors. Technical notes and a discussion of the methodology are included. (RLC)