Examines the impact of surplus schooling on individual productivity and earnings. Defines surplus schooling as education that exceeds the job requirement and may be underutilized. Study of the data indicates that surplus schooling is rewarded at a lower rate than required education. (Author/CH)

There is a growing disparity between jobs' educational requirements and workers' educational attainments, and also an increasing underutilization of college-educated workers. Changes in the demand for educated labor arise from changes in the U.S. economy's industrial structure and from changes in particular jobs' educational requirements. Changes…

Although many recent reports on the United States educational system urge increased investment in education to prepare students for the jobs of a high-tech future, a more immediate problem is that of the large proportion of the labor force which is currently "overeducated" or "underemployed." (JBM)

An analysis based on U.S. census data of labor market opportunities for young, inexperienced college graduates (out of school less than five years) over the last three decades and projected into the next reveals significant trends. These opportunities are measured by types of jobs held and relative earnings. Comparisons of government figures on…