This study examined the changing social and economic impact of college attendance in Pennsylvania between 1980 and 1990. It is based on a sample of over 500,000 census interviews. The study found that, in general, individuals who attended and finished college will marry other individuals who went to college, and that both parents will work and together earn more than $40,000 annually. Their income will permit them to live in a community that aggressively invests in the learning and cultural environment. They will raise children who will have a high probability of earning college degrees, thereby perpetuating a cycle of prosperity. Conversely, parents who do not have a college education will earn less and will more likely live in communities that have limited capacity to invest in the development of their youth. These parents will raise children who will have a much lower probability of earning college degrees, thereby perpetuating a cycle of disparity. To encourage college attendance, the report recommends that Pennsylvania establish state-wide education objectives, gather and disseminate critical information, reexamine higher education's price curve, provide investment incentives for families, provide incentives for employers and develop an education/labor force policy, and facilitate change among institutions and sectors. (MDM)