Appendix E

Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

Interview, Reinterview, and Abbreviated 

Interview

The following statement will be presented on the login page of the interview and will be 

visible prior to entering login credentials.

The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is conducted by NCES under the authorization of the Education Sciences 

Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9543). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a nonprofit 

research organization based in North Carolina. Data collected are used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or 

used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9573).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it

displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0852. The 

time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average approximately 35 minutes per response, including 

the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any 

comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns 

regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The High School Longitudinal Study of 

2009 (HSLS:09), National Center for Education Statistics, 1990 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

i

Contents

INFORMED CONSENT ................................................................................................................................E-1

HIGH SCHOOL SECTION.............................................................................................................................E-2

POSTSECONDARY SECTION.....................................................................................................................E-10

EMPLOYMENT SECTION ..........................................................................................................................E-34

COMMUNITY SECTION............................................................................................................................E-48

LOCATING SECTION.................................................................................................................................E-77

REINTERVIEW ITEMS ...............................................................................................................................E-88

ABBREVIATED INTERVIEW ITEMS .........................................................................................................E-101

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INFORMED CONSENT

I01

Before we begin, it is important to verify that we are interviewing the correct person. 

Are you [name] who was a 9th-grade student at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year?

1=Yes

0=No

I02

If you are not [name] or you were not a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, 

please use the ‘Logout’ link to log out and then call our Help Desk toll-free at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

(If you are [name] who was a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, please click 

the 'Previous' button and change your response to 'Yes'.)

I03

Recently, we sent you material about the U.S. Department of Education’s High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 

(HSLS:09). This survey is being conducted to better understand the education and employment experiences of 

young adults beyond high school. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a [incentive amount] check once 

you complete the survey. Have you had a chance to read the material?

I04

Great. Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may 

decline to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The survey takes about 35 minutes. 

To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

I05

The HSLS:09 survey takes about 35 minutes. Your responses, combined with other information (such as 

admissions test data, college enrollment and financial aid data, and other federal databases), may be used only 

for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in personally identifiable form for any other purpose, 

unless otherwise required by law (20 U.S.C., § 9573). You are one of approximately <number> students who will 

be taking part in this study. In addition to your survey responses, we collect college financial aid, student records, 
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and related information from postsecondary institutions you have attended (if any) and from sources such as 

college student loan databases and admissions testing agencies.

Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may decline 

to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The risk of participating in this study is small and relates to 

data security. However, there are strict security procedures in place. 

To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043. Please call the HSLS:09 Help Desk at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX if you would like to have the materials sent to 

you.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

HIGH SCHOOL SECTION 

A01

Have you earned any of the following types of high school credentials?

a. High school diploma

b. Certificate of attendance or completion

c. GED, HiSET, TASC, or other high school equivalency (please specify)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: 

High school diploma: The high school credential earned by most high school graduates. Include honors level 

diplomas.

Certificate of attendance: A certificate of attendance is a certificate given to students who complete the 12th 

grade but do not obtain enough credits, do not complete all core courses, or do not pass required testing to earn 

a high school diploma.

GED, HiSET, TASC or other high school equivalency:

The GED, HiSET, and TASC are all tests that people without a high school diploma can take to demonstrate that 

they have high school-level academic knowledge in science, social studies, math, and language arts. The tests are 

taken in test centers such as adult-education centers, community colleges, and public schools. Until recently, the 

GED was the only nationally recognized high school equivalency test. It was offered in all states until 2014 when 

Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, and West 

Virginia replaced the GED with either the HiSET, TASC or both. The HiSET is currently offered in California (Los 

Angeles Unified School District), Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New 
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Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The TASC is currently offered in California, Indiana, Nevada, 

New York, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

A02

In what month and year did you receive your [high school diploma/GED/HiSET/TASC/other high school 

equivalency /certificate of attendance or completion]?

Item wording: Month:

-9=Select one

1=January

2=February

3=March

4=April

5=May

6=June

7=July

8=August

9=September

10=October

11=November

12=December

Item wording: Year:

-9=Select one

2008=2008

2009=2009

2010=2010

2011=2011

2012=2012

2013=2013

2014=2014

2015=2015

A03

From what state did you receive your GED, HiSET, TASC or other high school equivalency?

A04

In what month and year did you last attend high school? (Include traditional and alternative high schools for 

teenage students. Do not include any high school completion programs for adults.)

Item wording: Month:

-9=Select one

1=January

2=February

3=March

4=April

5=May
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6=June

7=July

8=August

9=September

10=October

11=November

12=December

Item wording: Year:

-9=Select one

2008=2008

2009=2009

2010=2010

2011=2011

2012=2012

2013=2013

2014=2014

2015=2015

Currently attending a traditional or alternative high school for teenage students

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text:

Report when you last attended a high school for teenage students, including traditional high schools and 

alternative high schools. Alternative high schools are for students who learn better in schools with different types 

of teaching, schedules, and services. If you are currently enrolled in high school, but are out for a schoolscheduled break, illness, injury, or vacation, please consider yourself as currently attending high school.

Do not include high school completion programs for adults such as a program to prepare you for the GED, HiSET, 

or TASC test or an adult high school diploma offered at community colleges.

A05

What grade [were you in when you last attended high school/are you in]?

1=9th grade

2=10th grade

3=11th grade

4=12th grade

A06

What is the name of the high school [from which you received a diploma]/from which you received a certificate of 

attendance or completion/ you last attended/you are currently attending]?

1=[2012 Update high school]

2=[First follow-up high school]

3=[Other high school identified in first follow-up]
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4=[Other high school identified in first follow-up]

5=[Base year high school]

6=A different high school

A07

What is the full name, city, and state of the high school [from which you received a diploma]/from which you 

received a certificate of attendance or completion/you last attended/you are currently attending]? (Do not enter 

abbreviations.)

Note: The school will be coded to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System during the interview using 

a coding application.

A08

Which of the following would you say best describes your high school grades overall (unweighted)?

 

 1=3.75 and above (Mostly A's)

 2=3.25 – 3.75 (A's and B's)

 3=2.75 – 3.24 (Mostly B's)

 4=2.25 – 2.74 (B's and C's)

 5=1.75 – 2.24 (Mostly C's)

 6=1.25 – 1.74 (C's and D's)

 7=1.24 or below (Mostly D's or below)

 8=Don't know

Help Text: 

Estimate your overall grades by indicating what letter grades you usually received in your courses in high school.

Although some schools provide weighted grades for honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International 

Baccalaureate (IB) classes, please respond based on the unweighted grades you received.

A09

What grade were you in when you took Algebra I? [(If you have taken it more than once, answer for your most 

recent course. If you are currently taking Algebra I, choose your current grade.) / (If you have taken it more than 

once, answer for your most recent course.)]

 1=8th grade or earlier

 2=9th grade

 3=10th grade

 4=11th grade

 5=12th grade

 6=You have not taken Algebra I yet

A10
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What was the highest math course you took in high school?

1=Below algebra 1

2=Algebra 1

3=Geometry

4=Algebra 2

5=Algebra 3, Trigonometry, or Probability and/or Statistics

 6=Pre-Calculus

 7=Calculus

8=Other (please specify)

 9=None of these

Help text:

Common course titles within each of the categories are listed below. 

Below algebra I

02001 Informal Mathematics 

02002 General Math 

02003 Particular Topics in Foundation Math 

02047 Foundation Math—Independent Study 

02049 Foundation Math—Other 

02039 Mathematics—General 

02051 Pre-Algebra 

02053 Algebra I—Part 1 

02151 General Applied Math 

02152 Occupationally Applied Math 

02153 Technical Math 

02154 Business Math 

02155 Business Math with Algebra 

02156 Computer Math with Algebra 

02157 Consumer Math 

02991 History of Math 

02993 Mathematics—Test Preparation 

02994 Mathematics Proficiency Development 

02995 Mathematics—Aide 

02996 Mathematics—Supplemental

02997 Mathematics—Independent Study 

02998 Mathematics—Workplace Experience 

02999 Mathematics—Other 

Algebra I

02052 Algebra I

02054 Algebra I—Part 2 

02069 Algebra—Other 

Geometry
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02071 Informal Geometry 

02072 Geometry 

02073 Analytic Geometry 

02074 Principles of Algebra and Geometry 

02075 Particular Topics in Geometry 

02079 Geometry—Other 

02135 IB Mathematics (Middle Years Program)

Algebra II

02141 Particular Topics in Analytic Mathematics 

02055 Transition Algebra 

02056 Algebra II 

02058 Particular Topics in Algebra 

Algebra 3, Trigonometry, or Probability and/or Statistics

02057 Algebra III 

02061 Integrated Math—multi-year equivalent 

02101 Number Theory 

02102 Discrete Mathematics 

02103 Trigonometry 

02104 Math Analysis 

02105 Trigonometry/Math Analysis 

02106 Trigonometry/Algebra 

02107 Trigonometry/Analytic Geometry 

02108 Math Analysis/Analytic Geometry 

02109 Elementary Functions 

02111 Linear Algebra 

02112 Linear Programming 

02113 Abstract Algebra 

02131 IB Mathematical Studies 

02133 IB Mathematics and Computing—SL 

02149 Analytic Mathematics—Other 

02201 Probability and Statistics 

02202 Inferential Probability and Statistics 

02203 AP Statistics 

02204 Particular Topics in Probability and Statistics 

02207 Probability and Statistics—Independent Study 

02209 Probability and Statistics—Other 

Precalculus

02110 Pre-Calculus 

02132 IB Mathematics 

Calculus
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02121 Calculus 

02122 Multivariate Calculus 

02123 Differential Calculus 

02124 AP Calculus AB 

02125 AP Calculus BC 

02126 Particular Topics in Calculus 

02134 IB Further Mathematics—SL

A11

[Did/Have] you ever [stop/stopped] going to high school for a period of 4 weeks or more? Do not include school 

breaks, illness, injury, or vacation. Do include school expulsions or out-of-school suspensions.

 1=Yes

 0=No

A12

[Did/Have] you ever [transfer/transferred] from one high school to another?

 1=Yes

 0=No

A13

Have you ever been enrolled in a high school completion program for adults to prepare for a high school diploma, 

GED, HiSET, TASC, or other high school equivalency?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

High school completion programs for adults are offered by community colleges or other organizations. They may 

prepare someone who has not completed a high school diploma for an adult high school diploma or an equivalent 

such as a GED, HiSET, or TASC credential. 

The GED, HiSET, and TASC are all tests that people without a high school diploma can take to demonstrate that 

they have high school-level academic knowledge in science, social studies, math, and language arts. The tests are 

taken in test centers such as adult-education centers, community colleges, and public schools. Until recently, the 

GED was the only nationally recognized high school equivalency test. It was offered in all states until 2014 when 

Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, and West 

Virginia replaced the GED with either the HiSET, TASC or both. The HiSET is currently offered in California (Los 

Angeles Unified School District), Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New 

Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The TASC is currently offered in California, Indiana, Nevada, 
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New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.

A14

Are you currently enrolled in a high school completion program for adults to prepare for a high school diploma, 

GED, HiSET, TASC, or other high school equivalency?

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text:

High school completion programs for adults are offered by community colleges or other organizations. They may 

prepare someone who has not completed a high school diploma for an adult high school diploma or an equivalent 

such as a GED, HiSET, or TASC credential. The GED, HiSET, and TASC are all tests that people without a high school 

diploma can take to demonstrate that they have high school-level academic knowledge in science, social studies, 

math, and language arts. The tests are taken in test centers such as adult-education centers, community colleges, 

and public schools. Until recently, the GED was the only nationally recognized high school equivalency test. It was 

offered in all states until 2014 when Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New 

Hampshire, New York, and West Virginia replaced the GED with either the HiSET, TASC or both. The HiSET is 

currently offered in California (Los Angeles Unified School District), Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, 

Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The TASC is currently 

offered in California, Indiana, Nevada, New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.

A15

Have you ever taken an exam for the GED or another high school equivalency credential such as HiSET or TASC?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

The GED, HiSET, and TASC are all tests that people without a high school diploma can take to demonstrate that 

they have high school-level academic knowledge in science, social studies, math, and language arts. The tests are 

taken in test centers such as adult-education centers, community colleges, and public schools. Until recently, the 

GED was the only nationally recognized high school equivalency test. It was offered in all states until 2014 when 

Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, and West 

Virginia replaced the GED with either the HiSET, TASC or both. The HiSET is currently offered in California (Los 

Angeles Unified School District), Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New 

Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The TASC is currently offered in California, Indiana, Nevada, 

New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.
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A16

How many times have you taken one of these exams? Count all sections of an exam, that is, each subject test, 

together as one exam.

Help Text:

Indicate the number of times you have taken the GED, HiSET, and/or TASC exam.

Count all sections of the exam, that is, each subject test, together as one exam. If you took different sections of 

the same exam on different days, count them all together as one exam. If you had to retake one or more of the 

sections of an exam because you did not pass the first time, count the retake section(s) together as a second time.

POSTSECONDARY SECTION 

For the rest of the interview, the general term “college” refers to 2-year colleges or 4-year colleges. Specifically, the 

term “2-year college” will refer to community colleges or junior colleges. The term “4-year college” refers to

colleges and universities.

Questions in this interview also use the phrase "schools that provide occupational training" to refer to other types 

of schools after high school, sometimes called technical institutes or trade schools. These schools usually offer 

programs that take less than 2 years to complete. Examples include culinary institutes and cosmetology schools.

The term “postsecondary institutions” includes all of these types of colleges, universities, and schools.

B01

When you were still in high school, did you apply to or register at any postsecondary institutions for enrollment 

after high school?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: Some schools do not require an application for admission. They admit all students who register for 

classes.

B02

How many colleges or schools did you apply to or register at while you were still in high school?

B03

What is the name, city, and state of [the postsecondary institution/the postsecondary institutions/three of the 

postsecondary institutions] you applied to or registered at. [If applied to more than 3: Include the three 

institutions you most seriously considered, including any you attended.]
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Note: These postsecondary institutions will not be coded to the Integrated Postsecondary Data System during the 

interview to reduce burden on respondents.

B04

Our information from 2012 indicates that you have attended [2012 Update postsecondary institution]. Is this 

correct?

1=Yes

0=No

B05

Since you [received your high school diploma/received your high school certificate of attendance or 

completion/received your GED, HiSET, TASC or other equivalency/completed high school/left high school], have 

you attended a postsecondary institution? (Please include all postsecondary institutions, even if you have not 

completed a course.)

1=Yes

0=No

B06

[Including [2012 Update postsecondary institution] how/How] many postsecondary institutions have you 

attended since high school?

BEGIN LOOP

B07

What is the name, city and state of the postsecondary institution you attended [first/next]? (Please type in the full 

name. Do not use abbreviations.)

B08

Between [date last attended high school] and December 2015, in which months have you attended, or do you 

expect to attend [postsecondary institution]? 

(Please do your best to predict your attendance through 2015. Do not include any months during which you are 

not or will not be taking classes, such as summer break. If you have attended or will attend for only a portion of 

any month, please include that month.)

Help Text:
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Indicate all months of your attendance between July 2012 and April 2015 at [postsecondary institution], not just 

the beginning and ending months.

Include any months in which you are/were enrolled and actively working on something for credit at 

[postsecondary institution] like a thesis or field work, even if you do/did not attend classes at [postsecondary 

institution] during that time.

Leave a box for a month blank if you did not attend [postsecondary institution] during any part of that month at 

all. If you attended [postsecondary institution] for all months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If 

you attended [postsecondary institution] for most months in the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" 

button and unselect any month you did not attend by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

NOTE: Either this question or the next series of questions (start and end dates, continuous enrollment, enrollment 

during breaks, months not enrolled) will be asked depending on timing efficiency and performance on mobile 

devices. 

B09

What month and year did you first start attending [postsecondary institution(s) attended]?

* Month:

1 = January

2 = February

3 = March

4 = April

5 = May

6 = June

7 = July

8 = August

9 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

* Year:

1 = 2008 or before

2 = 2009

3 = 2010

4 = 2011

5 = 2012

6 = 2013

7 = 2014

8 = 2015

B10

Are you still attending [postsecondary institution]? (Answer "Yes" if you are on spring or fall break in the middle of 

a term or semester, on summer break, or any other school-scheduled break and plan to return when classes start 

again. Answer “No” if you have completed your degree certificate, or diploma, you are not enrolled even though 

school is in session, or you are on school-scheduled break but do not plan to return.)
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1=Yes

0=No

Help Text:

Indicate whether you are currently attending [postsecondary institution].

Answer "Yes" if you are enrolled and actively working on something for credit at [postsecondary institution] like a 

thesis or field work, even if you do not currently attend classes at [postsecondary institution]. If you are currently 

participating in a study abroad program for your degree, certificate or diploma that is offered through 

[postsecondary institution], answer "Yes".

B11

In what month and year did you last attend [postsecondary institution]?

B12

Between [start date] and [end date/April 2015], were you continuously enrolled in [postsecondary institution] 

other than for school-scheduled breaks such as spring or fall break in the middle of a term or semester, summer 

break or any other school-scheduled break?

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text:

Consider yourself as enrolled during months when you are/were enrolled and actively working on something for 

credit at [postsecondary institution] like a thesis or field work, even if you do/did not attend classes at 

[postsecondary institution] during that time.

B13

Between [start date] and [end date/April 2015], were you enrolled in [postsecondary institution] during any 

school-scheduled breaks between semesters, terms, or quarters, such as on summer break?

1=Yes

0=No

B14

Between [start date] and [end date/April 2015], in which months were you not attending [postsecondary 

institution]? 

(Include any months during which you are not or will not be taking classes, such as summer break. If you have 

attended or will attend for a portion of any month, please do not include that month.)
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Help Text:

Indicate all months of you were not enrolled between [start date] and [end date/April 2015] at [postsecondary 

institution], not just the beginning and ending months.

Do not include any months in which you are/were enrolled and actively working on something for credit at 

[postsecondary institution] like a thesis or field work.

Select a box for a month if you did not attend [postsecondary institution] during any part of that month at all. If 

you did not attend [postsecondary institution] for any months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If 

you did not attend [postsecondary institution] for most of the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" button 

and unselect any month you were attending by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

B15

While enrolled at [postsecondary institution], [have you been/were you]...

1 = full-time or mainly full-time,

2 = part-time or mainly part-time, or

3 = an equal mix of full-time and part-time?

Help Text:

The following are examples of standard full-time loads and may vary by school.

Students who are enrolled as a full-time student typically carry at least:

12 semester or quarter hours per term at the undergraduate level or 9 credit hours per term at the graduate 

level;

24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours per academic year for an educational program using credit hours for a 

program of less than one academic year or;

24 clock hours per week for an educational program using clock hours

If you were studying abroad through [postsecondary institution] for the majority of any school year, please 

answer based on your study abroad institution.

B16

In what types of programs were you enrolled at [postsecondary institution]? (Select all that apply)

a. Bachelor’s degree program (usually a 4-year degree)

b. Associate’s degree program (usually a 2-year degree)

c. Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 years or 

less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

d. No specific program, but taking courses

1 = Yes

0 = No
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Help text: 

Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas 

usually take less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for 

direct entry to employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates 

in administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a 

certification or license. Do NOT include certifications or licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or 

college degrees.

Associate’s degree program: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.

Bachelor’s degree program: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually 

requires at least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

No specific program, but taking courses: This means taking courses, but not formally enrolling in a degree or 

certificate program of any sort.

B17

Did you complete all the requirements before April 2015 at [postsecondary institution] for your [Bachelor’s 

degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma]?

(Answer "No" if you transferred schools and completed your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or 

diploma] at a different school. We will ask you about your enrollment at any other schools later.)

1=Yes 

0=No

Help Text:

An example of requirements includes completing all necessary credits.

If you have not yet completed your degree requirements but will complete them soon, answer “No.” Also answer 

"No" if you transferred schools and completed your requirements at a different school.

B18

In what month and year were you awarded your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma] 

from [postsecondary institution]?

 Month:

 -9=-Select one-

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August
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 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=-Select one1 = 2008 or before

2 = 2009

3 = 2010

4 = 2011

5 = 2012

6 = 2013

7 = 2014

8 = 2015

Help text: 

Select the month and year in which you were awarded your [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or 

diploma] from [postsecondary institution]. If you completed your requirements on one date and were awarded 

your [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma] at a later date, indicate the later date when 

you were awarded your degree.

If you are unsure of the date, provide your best guess.

B19

In what month and year do you expect to complete the requirements for your [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s 

degree/ certificate or diploma]?

 

 Month:

 -9=-Select one-

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=-Select one-

 2015=2015

 2016=2016

 2017=2017
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 2018=2018

 2019=2019

 2020=2020

 2021=2021

 2022=2022 or later

Will not finish the [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma]

1=Yes

0=No

Don’t know

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: 

Indicate the month and year that you expect to complete the requirements for your [Bachelor’s degree/ 

Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma]. This date may or may not be the same date you expect to be awarded 

your [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma].

If you do not expect to ever complete the requirements for your [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ 

certificate or diploma], indicate Will not finish the [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma].

Indicate Don't know if you cannot provide your best guess of the date when you expect to finish your [Bachelor’s 

degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma].

B20

[When you were enrolled in an Associate’s degree program at [postsecondary institution] did/Do] you...

1=Plan to earn an Associate’s degree, and not transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program

2=Plan to earn an Associate’s degree and then transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program

3=Plan to transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program without earning an Associate’s degree first

4=Plan to just take courses or earn credits

B21

[Are/Were] you taking these classes at [postsecondary institution] primarily to fulfill a degree requirement or 

transfer course credit to a degree or certificate program? 

1=Yes, to a Bachelor’s degree program

2=Yes, to another degree or certificate program

3=No

Help text: 

If you are/were taking these [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma] at [postsecondary 

institution] in order to meet requirements for a degree or certificate program at [postsecondary institution] or 

any other school, or to transfer credit to another school, answer "Yes."
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If you are/were taking these [Bachelor’s degree/ Associate’s degree/ certificate or diploma] at [postsecondary 

institution] for some other reason, such as to obtain job skills, to obtain an occupational license or for personal 

enjoyment, answer "No."

B22

Which of these reasons best describes why you were enrolled in classes at [postsecondary institution] before April 

2015?

 1=To prepare to earn a degree later

 2=To prepare for a job certification or license

 3=To gain job or occupational skills

 4=To take courses solely for recreation, self-improvement, or personal interest

Help text: 

From the options provided, please indicate the primary reason why you decided to enroll in classes at 

[postsecondary institution].

If you took these classes in order to apply class credit to a degree, certificate or license that you plan to work on in 

the future, answer "To prepare to earn a degree later."

If you took these classes in order to gain job skills--for example, to improve writing ability or carpentry skills or to 

improve the quality of work you perform at your job, answer "To gain job or occupational skills."

If you took these classes for personal interest or self-improvement--for example, to learn a new language with 

hopes of using your new language while on travel or to take an art class in order to practice a new hobby, 

answer "To take courses solely for recreation, self-improvement, or personal interest."

B23

[Have any of your postsecondary classes/Were any of your postsecondary classes entirely online? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: 

Entirely online courses would not include any in-person components; students access all of their instruction for 

the course over the Internet.) 

B24

Is your entire [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma] program at [postsecondary 

institution] online?

Help text: 

Indicate whether your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma] program is or was an entirely 

online program when you last attended [postsecondary institution] in the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014-

June, 30, 2015).
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In online programs students access all of their coursework over the Internet.

END LOOP

B25

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

a. You are confident you can earn strong grades in your degree program. 

b. You are confident you can complete your degree despite financial pressures. 

c. You are confident you can complete your degree despite competing demands on time (e.g., from work or 

family). 

d. You are confident no personal difficulties (for example, emotional and/or health issues) will keep you

from completing your degree program. 

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

B26

As things stand now, how far in school do you think you will actually get?

1=Less than high school completion

2=Complete a high school diploma, GED or alternative high school credential

3=Start, but not complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training

(usually takes 2 years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

4=Complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 

years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

5=Start, but not complete an Associate’s degree (usually a 2-year degree)

6=Complete an Associate's degree (usually a 2-year degree)

7=Start, but not complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

8=Complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

9=Start, but not complete a Master’s degree

10=Complete a Master’s degree

11=Start, but not complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

12=Complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

13=You don’t know

Help text: 

Certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas usually take 

less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for direct entry to 

employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates in

administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a certification 

or license. Do NOT include certifications/licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or college degrees.

Associate’s degree: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.
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Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually requires at 

least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

B27

Have you ever had a professional certification or a state or industry license? Do not include business licenses, such 

as a liquor license or vending license. 

A professional certification or license shows you are qualified to perform a specific job and includes things like 

Licensed Realtor, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Teacher, or an IT certification.

1=Yes

0=No

B28

Which of the following are reasons why you have not enrolled in a postsecondary institution? (Select all that 

apply.)

a. Academic reasons

b. Personal or family reasons

c. Financial reasons

d. Work or career-related reasons

e. Other (Please specify)

1=Yes

0=No

B29

According to your dates of enrollment, you took a break from school after high school. Which of the following are 

reasons why you decided not to continue your education right after high school? (Select all that apply.)

a. Academic reasons

b. Personal or family reasons

c. Financial reasons

d. Work or career-related reasons

e. Other (Please specify)

1=Yes

0=No

B30

Have you ever left one postsecondary institution to attend another one for four months or more even if you did 

not transfer credit?

1=Yes

0=No
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B31

Which of the following are reasons you left [postsecondary institution] and enrolled at [postsecondary 

institution]? (Select all that apply.)

a. Academic reasons

b. Personal or family reasons

c. Financial reasons

d. Work or career-related reasons

e. Other (Please specify)

1=Yes

0=No

B32

Earlier you indicated that you are no longer enrolled in any postsecondary institution and that you did not obtain 

a degree or a certificate. Which of the following are reasons you left school? (Select all that apply.)

a. Academic reasons

b. Personal or family reasons

c. Financial reasons

d. Work-related reasons

e. Other (Please Specify)

1=Yes

0=No

B33

Have you taken any postsecondary math courses?

1=Yes

0=No

B34

Have you taken any postsecondary math courses beyond your general education requirements?

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text: 

Universities generally have major non-specific requirements for degree attainment known as "General Education" 

(or "Gen Ed") or "Core" requirements.

B35
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Did you take any additional math course or courses beyond your general education requirements because...

a. it was required for your major, minor, or field of study?

b. because it is needed for your career?

c. because your academic advisor or a faculty member encouraged you?

d. because your employer(s) encouraged you?

e. other reason? (please specify)

1=Yes

0=No

B36

Why did you not take an additional math course or courses beyond your general education requirements? Was 

it...

a. because you really dislike math?

b. because it won’t be needed for your career?

c. because your academic advisor or a faculty member discouraged you from taking math?

1=Yes

0=No

B37

In general, the postsecondary math instructors you have had since high school have treated male and female 

students fairly.

 

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B38

In general, you have been treated fairly by other students in your postsecondary math courses.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B39

You got excited about math in your first postsecondary math course.

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree
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B40

How frequently do you study or do homework assignments with other students in your math classes?

1=Never

2=Once or twice a semester or term

3=Once or twice a month

4=Once a week

5=More than once a week

B41

Have you taken any postsecondary science courses?

1=Yes

0=No

B42

Have you taken any postsecondary science courses beyond your general education requirements?

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text: 

Universities generally have major non-specific requirements for degree attainment known as "General Education" 

(or "Gen Ed") or "Core" requirements.

B43

Did you take an additional science course or courses beyond your general education requirements because...

a. it was required for your major or minor field of study

b. it is needed for your career?

c. your academic advisor or a faculty member encouraged you

d. your employer(s) encouraged you?

e. other reason (please specify)?

1=Yes

0=No

B44

Why did you not take an additional science course or courses beyond your general education requirements? Was 

it because...

a. you really dislike science?

b. it won’t be needed for your career?

c. your academic advisor or a faculty member discouraged you from taking science?

1=Yes

0=No
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B45

In general, the postsecondary science instructors you have had since high school have treated male and female 

students fairly.

 

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B46

In general, you have been treated fairly by other students in your postsecondary science courses.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B47

You got excited about science in your first postsecondary science course.

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

B48

How frequently do you study or do homework assignments with other students in your science classes?

1=Never

2=Once or twice a semester or term

3=Once or twice a month

4=Once a week

5=More than once a week

B49

Have you taken any computer science or technology courses?

1=Yes

0=No

B50
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In general, the postsecondary computer science or technology instructors you have had since high school have 

treated male and female students fairly.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B51

In general, you have been treated fairly by other students in your postsecondary computer science or technology

courses.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B52

You got excited about computer science or technology in your first postsecondary computer science or 

technology course

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

B53

How frequently do you study or do homework assignments with other students in your computer science or 

technology classes?

1=Never

2=Once or twice a semester or term

3=Once or twice a month

4=Once a week

5=More than once a week

B54

Have you ever taken a postsecondary engineering course?

1=Yes

0=No

B55
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In general, the postsecondary engineering instructors you have had since high school have treated male and 

female students fairly.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B56

In general, you have been treated fairly by other students in your postsecondary engineering courses.

 1=Strongly agree

 2=Agree

 3=Disagree

 4=Strongly disagree

B57

You got excited about engineering in your first postsecondary engineering course

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

B58

How frequently do you study or do homework assignments with other students in your engineering courses?

1=Never

2=Once or twice a semester or term

3=Once or twice a month

4=Once a week

5=More than once a week

B59

Have you ever sought help for a postsecondary course such as participating in a study group, going to office hours, 

or requesting tutoring? 

1=Yes

0=No

B60

For which types of courses have you sought help? Check all that apply.

a. Math

b. Science
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c. Other

1=Yes

0=No

B61

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

You see yourself as a math person.

Others see you as a math person.

Most people can learn to be good at math.

You have to be born with the ability to be good at math.

1=Strongly agree

2=Agree

3=Disagree

4=Strongly disagree

B62

You see yourself as a science person?

Others see you as a science person?

Most people can learn to be good at science?

You have to be born with the ability to be good at science?

1=Strongly agree

2=Agree

3=Disagree

4=Strongly disagree

B63

You see yourself as someone who likes using computers or electronic gadgets.

1=Strongly agree

2=Agree

3=Disagree

4=Strongly disagree

B64

You see yourself as someone who likes figuring out how mechanical, electrical or structural things work?

1=Strongly agree

2=Agree

3=Disagree

4=Strongly disagree

B65
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Just before you started your postsecondary education, what was the major or field of study you were most 

seriously considering?

Note: The major will be coded to 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programming codes using a coding 

application.

B66

Have you declared a major or field of study for your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma] 

at [postsecondary institution]?

0=Not in a degree program

1=Declared a single major or field of study

2=Declared a double major or field of study

3=Not yet declared

Help Text:

Declaring a major or field of study is the process of formally identifying your major and typically involves 

submitting a form, either on paper or online, to the registrar or dean.

If you have more than one declared major or field of study, answer "Declared a double major or field of study."

Answer "No" if you have not yet declared your major, even if you know what you would like to major in.

B67

Even though you have not formally declared your major, have you decided what your major will be for your 

[degree] at [institution]? 

(Answer "yes" if you have left [institution] and do not plan to attend again to earn your [degree] there but you 

had decided what your major would be prior to leaving.)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

If you know what your major will be, even though you have not officially declared your major, answer "Yes." You 

will be asked in the next question to tell us what that intended major is.

If you don't know what your major will be, answer "No."

B68

[When you were last interviewed in 2012, you told us you were considering majoring in [2012 Update major]]. Is 

your major or field of study still [original major you were considering]?

1=Yes

0=No
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B69

What [is/was] your [first] major or field of study for your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or 

diploma] at [postsecondary institution]? 

Since you [are/were] a double-major, please indicate only one major here. You will have an opportunity next to 

provide your other major. What is your [first] major or field of study?

Note: The major will be coded to 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programming codes using a coding 

application.

B70

What is your second major or field of study? (Please do not include a minor.)

Note: The major will be coded to 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programming codes using a coding 

application

B71

[Before April 2015, how/How] many times have you formally changed your major at [postsecondary institution] 

for the [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree/certificate or diploma]?

0=None

1=One

2=More than one

Help text: 

Formally changing your major typically involves submitting a form, either on paper or online, to the registrar or 

dean to change your declared major.

B72

Why did you choose this major or field of study?

a. You enjoy the subject

b. You do well in the subject

c. You thought you would fit in with people in this major

d. For earning potential after graduation

e. For the work lifestyle after graduation

f. For the employment opportunities after graduation

g. For the opportunity to help people or society

h. For the prestigious occupations associated with this major

i. because advisor or faculty encouraged it?

j. because your parents encouraged it?

k. because another family member, friend, or employer encouraged it?

l. other reason?

1=Yes

0=No
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B73

Why did you change your major or field of study?

a. Change of interests

b. You were not doing well in your original field of study

c. The courses in your original field of study required too much study time

d. Faculty in your original field of study did not treat you well

e. You did not fit in with your classmates in your original field of study

f. Classes in your field of study were not available or scheduling was not convenient

g. For better earning potential after graduation

h. For better work lifestyle after graduation

i. For better employment opportunities after graduation

j. For the opportunity to help people or society

k. For the prestigious occupations associated with your new major

l. An adviser or faculty member encouraged it

m. Your parents encouraged it

n. Another family member, friend, or employer encouraged it

1=Yes

0=No

B74

Now, we are interested in your plans for attendance at ANY college, university or trade school between the 

months of May 2015 and December 2015. 

At any time between May 2015 and December 2015, have you attended or will you attend school for any degree 

or certificate?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

If you are attending or plan to attend any college, university or trade school between May 1, 2015 and December 

31, 2015 for a degree or certificate, answer "Yes."

Answer "Yes" whether you are continuing with an uncompleted current degree or certificate, or whether you are 

starting a new degree or certificate.

B75

Which of the following school services [have/did] you [ used/use] at [current/most recent institution]? (Visiting, 

emailing, or in any way communicating with and receiving information or help from a school office or department 

that offers a particular service counts as use of that service.)

a. Advice or counseling about financial aid

b. Academic support services (for example, tutoring or writing centers)

c. Career planning or job placement services

d. Did not use any of these services

1=Yes

0=No
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Help text: 

Indicate each type of school service that you have used at [current/most recent institution].

Receiving financial aid in itself would not be considered use of financial aid counseling or advice, but receiving 

guidance on the financial aid process from the financial aid office would.

Attending a career fair or résumé writing workshop put on by your school would count as use of career planning 

or job placement services.

If you have not use any services at [current/most recent postsecondary institution] in the 2013-2014 school year, 

answer "Did not use any services."

B76

Your parents (or guardians) expected or [encourage(d) you to complete your [Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s 

degree/certificate or diploma] 

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

Help text: 

On a scale from 1 to 5, where one means “strongly disagree” and five means “strongly agree,” indicate your level 

of agreement with the statement in the question.

Base your response on encouragement from your parents (or guardians) for you to stay in college in general, 

rather than their encouragement for you to stay at a particular college.

By college we mean a university, college, or trade school that you attend after high school. A trade school offers 

instruction in skilled trades. It is not a high school.

B77

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Completing your [degree/certificate/diploma] will help you...

a. get a job that makes a contribution to society

b. be seen as an expert 

c. get a job with a lot of independence

d. get a job which allows you to have work-life balance

e. to earn enough money for the lifestyle you want

f. get a job with good benefits

g. get a job with job security

h. get a job in a desirable location

i. get a job with opportunities for advancement

j. get a job with intellectual challenge

k. get a job with a lot of responsibility 

l. get a job where you work or collaborate with others 
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m. get a job where you contribute to the advancement of your chosen field 

1=Strongly disagree

2=Somewhat disagree

3=Neither disagree nor agree

4=Somewhat agree

5=Strongly agree

B78

Do you have any brothers or sisters who enrolled in a postsecondary institution[ before you did]?

1=Yes

0=No

B79

How many of your family members and friends whom you communicate with at least once a month have left 

postsecondary education and not returned? 

0=None of them

 1=Less than half

 2=About half

 3=More than half

 4=All of them

 5=Don’t know

B80

[Have you participated/Did you participate] in any of the following as a part of your postsecondary education?

a. Research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements 

b. Study abroad 

c. Community-based project (for example, service learning) as part of a regular course 

d. Program in which you were mentored

B81

During a typical school week [during the current school year/during the school year when you were last enrolled], 

how many hours [do/did] you spend

a. on homework/studying 

b. spending time with your family and friends?

c. on extracurricular activities, organizations, and intramural and varsity sports at [current institution]

d. on extracurricular activities, organizations, and intramural and varsity sports outside of [current 

institution]
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B82

Where were you living in April 2015?

1=On campus or in college-owned housing (for example, a dorm or residence hall)

2=With parent(s), relative(s), or guardian(s)

3=Off campus (not college-owned housing)

Help text: 

College-owned housing: Housing where the rent is paid to the school, even if that housing is not on the campus of 

the school.

B83

[On average/In the 2014-2015 school year], how many days per week (or per month) [do/did] you travel between 

where you live and [postsecondary institution]?

Help text: 

Indicate the number of days per week (or per month) that you traveled between where you lived in the 2014-

2015school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015) and [postsecondary institution].

For this question, refer to the place where you lived in the 2014-2015 school year, which may differ from your 

permanent residence. Your permanent residence is typically defined as the residence where you are registered to 

vote, where you pay your local and state taxes, and where you maintain your driver's license and car registration. 

If you are under 24 years of age, or are dependent on parental support, your permanent residence is usually the 

residence of your parents or legal guardians.

(If you did not commute to [postsecondary institution] indicate the checkbox for that item.)

B84

 1=per week

 2=per month

B85

On an average day[ in the 2014-2015 school year], how much time does it take for you to get from where you live 

to [postsecondary institution]?

 

B86

 |(enter number of minutes or hours)

B87

 Minute(s) per day

 1=Minute(s)

 2=Hour(s)
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EMPLOYMENT SECTION

C01

Since June 2012, have you ever had a job that is a formal apprenticeship in which you receive both instruction and 

on-the-job training and are paid a training salary?

1=Yes

2=No

3=Don't know

Help text:

In a formal apprenticeship program, an apprentice receives both instruction and on-the-job training and is paid a 

training salary. Two examples are electrician apprenticeships and plumbing apprenticeships. Do not count unpaid 

internships.

C02

Since June 2012, have you had a co-op job?

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text:

A co-op usually refers to a multi-work term agreement with one employer; traditionally with at least three work 

terms alternated with school terms, resulting in a 5-year degree program. Co-ops are traditionally full-time, paid 

positions.

C03

Since June 2012, have you had a paid internship?

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text:

An internship is any formal or informal program that provides on-the-job-experience for beginners in an 

occupation or profession. Many work in internships in order to learn new skills or to gain job experience. 

Internship are usually one-term work assignments, most often in the summer, but not always. Internships can be 

full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and the career field. Consider only paid internships 

when answering this question.
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C04

Since June 2012, have you had an unpaid internship?

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text:

An internship is any formal or informal program that provides on-the-job-experience for beginners in an 

occupation or profession. Many work in internships in order to learn new skills or to gain job experience. 

Internship are usually one-term work assignments, most often in the summer, but not always. Internships can be 

full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and the career field. Consider only unpaid 

internships when answering this question.

C05

Have you worked for pay, at any time between June 2012 and April 2015, including continuing in any jobs started 

before June 2012? Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study jobs as well as selfemployment.

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have held any paid jobs at any time between June 2012 and April 2015 (June 1, 2012-April 

30, 2015)

If you started a job before June 2012 and continued to work there after June 2012, please consider that job.

Please consider any jobs for pay, including: full-time and part-time employment, self-employment, work-study 

jobs, and paid internships. Do not report any employers where you have only applied for work or any employer 

where you have not accepted a paid position.

If you have had any paid jobs, including if you have been self-employed, or held work-study jobs or paid 

internships, answer "Yes."

If you have not worked or if all work was unpaid, such as unpaid internships, answer "No."

Federal work-study jobs are offered to undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to work parttime to earn money to help pay their education expenses. Students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid) in order to be considered for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Work-study jobs are often 

located on the campus of a student's school and may or may not be related to a student's course of study.

An internship is any formal or informal program that provides on-the-job-experience for beginners in an 

occupation or profession. Many work in internships in order to learn new skills or to gain job experience. Consider 

only paid internships when answering this question.
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C06

How many different jobs have you held between June 2012 and April 2015? Count promotions within the same 

job as one job. 

1=Yes

0=No

C07

Were you working for pay in April of this year? (Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study 

jobs as well as self-employment).

1=Yes

0=No

BEGIN LOOP

C08

What was the job title and employer for [the job you held in April 2015/the last job you held before April 

2015/another job you held between June 2012 and April 2015]?

(If you had more than [one job in April 2015/at the same time/one other job], tell us about [the one you 

considered to be your main job/only one of them now]. We will collect the job titles and employers for any other 

jobs later.)

Check here if you were self-employed.

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Please provide the name of one employer where you have worked at any time between June 2012 and April 2015. 

Do not report any employers where you have only applied for work or any employer where you have not 

accepted a paid position.

Your employer name will be used for your reference on questions as you progress through the survey.

You will be given the opportunity to tell us about any other employers you've had at any time between June 2012 

and April 2015, later in the survey.

C09

What month and year did you start this job [working for yourself / at [employer]]?
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C10

What month and year did you last work in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself]?

C11

Between [start date] and [April 2015/[end date]], were there any periods of one month or more during which you 

were not working in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself], not counting time you took off for 

vacation or sick leave?

1=Yes

0=No

C12

Which of these months were you not working in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself]?

Help Text:

Indicate all months that you were not working in this job for this employer between June 2012 and April 2015, not 

just the beginning and ending months.

Select a month only if you did not work in this job for any part of that month.

If you worked any portion of a month for this employer, do not indicate that month.

If you did not work for this employer for all months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If you did 

not work for this employer for most months in the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" button and 

unselect any month worked for this employer by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

C13

Between June 2012 and April 2015, in what months did you work in this job for [[employer name]/this 

employer/yourself]?

Help text:

Indicate all months that you worked for this employer between June 2012 and April 2015, not just the beginning 

and ending months.

If you worked any portion of a month for this employer, indicate that month.

Do not select a month if you did not or will not work for this employer during any part of that month.
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If you worked for this employer for all months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If you worked for 

this employer for most months in the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" button and unselect any month 

you did not work for this employer by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

NOTE: Either this question or the series of questions above it (start and end dates, months not working) will be 

asked depending on a pending evaluation of timing efficiency and performance on mobile devices.

C14

You just told us about the months in which you worked in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself]. 

Did you ever work in this job regularly during weeks in which you were also attending school?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you worked for this employer during weeks in which you also attended school.

Do not consider whether you were enrolled full-time or part-time at school while working for this employer.

C15

Prior to April 2015, how many hours per week did you usually work in this job while you were attending school? 

(Provide your best guess if you are unsure.)

Help text:

Indicate the average number of hours worked per week at this employer while you were attending school.

If you are unsure, provide your best guess.

C16

Were you working regularly in this job during weeks in which you were not attending school?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you worked for this employer during weeks in which you were not also attending school.

If you worked for this employer only while attending school as either a full-time or part-time student, answer 

"No."
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C17

Prior to April 2015, how many hours per week did you usually work in this job[ while you were not attending 

school]?

C18

Which of these best describes this job?

1=A career position

2=A way to explore a career option

3=A way to save money for or pay for school

4=A way to pay the bills

5=A way to earn spending money

6=Other (please specify)

END LOOP

Next, we have some questions that will focus [on your job as a [fill title] [for [employer name]/for yourself]/on the 

job you held in April 2015/your most recent job before April 2015].

Help text:

This is an informational screen only. (Click the Next button.)

C19

The next few questions will focus on your experiences specifically with one [of the jobs you held in April 2015/of 

your most recent jobs].

Please choose the job which you consider to have been your main job [in April 2015/when you were working in 

[last month of employment]].

Help text:

The list contains all of the employers that you indicated you worked for at some time between June 2012 and 

April 2015.

Select the employer that you consider to be your main employer. Answer "None of these employers" only if you 

are unable to identify any of these employers as your main employer.
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C20

What was the title of [the job you held in April 2015/your most recent job before April 2015]? 

What did you in that job? 

Note: A coding application will be used to code the occupation to a 6-digit 2010 SOC.

C21

What type of company or organization did] you work for? Was it...

1=A family business or farm 

2=A for-profit company 

3=A nonprofit organization 

4=A local, state, or federal government 

5=The military 

6=Other

Help text:

Select the category which best describes your primary employer.

A for-profit company is one that has the primary purpose of generating a profit. Owners and shareholders can 

benefit financially from such profits. Examples of for-profit companies include (but are not limited to) most 

grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and clothing retail companies.

A nonprofit organization is an incorporated organization which exists for educational or charitable reasons, and 

for which its shareholders or trustees (owners) do not benefit financially. Examples of nonprofit organizations 

include museums, some universities, and agencies helping the disadvantaged.

Local government refers to the agencies governing a city or town.

State government refers to agencies governing one of the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Federal government refers to any agency of the United States or a foreign government.

The military refers to the five branches of the US armed services and includes civilian employees working for the 

armed services.

C22

Was this job a formal apprenticeship in which you received both instruction and on-the-job training and were paid 

a training salary?
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1=Yes

2=No

3=Don't know

Help text:

Apprenticeship: In a formal apprenticeship program, an apprentice receives both instruction and on-the-job 

training and is paid a training salary. Two examples are electrician apprenticeships and plumbing apprenticeships. 

Do not count unpaid internships.

C23

Did you have a license that was required by a federal, state, or local government agency to do this job?

1=Yes

0=No

C24

Earlier you told us that you [work/worked] about [hours > 40] hours per week in this job [for [employer]/for this 

employer/for yourself] [when you were attending school/when you were not attending school].

Why [are/were] you working more than 40 hours per week?

a. To earn extra money

b. Responsibilities of your position demand more than 40 hours per week

c. Other reasons

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: 

Please elaborate on the reason for working more than 40 hours a week in this job.

C25

For which of the following reasons did you usually work 20 or fewer hours per week?

a. Personal or family reasons

b. Financial reasons 

c. More hours were not available in this job 

d. Held more than one job 

e. Other – Specify 
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1=Yes

0=No

C26

You mentioned earlier that you [are/were] working 20 or fewer hours per week[ at [reference employer] [when 

you [are/were] not attending school]. Would you [prefer/have preferred] to work more hours for pay in this job 

[when you [are/were] not attending school]?

1=Yes

0=No

C27

How much money...

a. Did you make working in this job in April 2015? / did you make when you [were last self-employed/left 

[employer]/this employer]?

Include any bonuses, tips, or commissions in your total earnings amount.

b. did you make when you were last enrolled and [self-employed/working for [[employer]/working for this 

employer]/did you make the last time you were not in school and [self-employed/working for 

[employer]/working for this employer]?

Include any bonuses, tips, or commissions in your total earnings amount.

1=Per hour 

2=Per month 

3=Per year

Help text:

Indicate how much you currently make working for this employer.

Indicate the unit of time that corresponds to the amount of earnings that you reported.

If you are unsure, provide your best guess.

C28

[When you last worked in/In] your job [as a(n) [job title]] [with [employer]/with this employer], [are/were] you 

[currently] eligible to receive...

a. Health insurance

b. Life insurance
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c. Retirement or other financial benefits, such as a 401(k)/403(b)

d. Scholarships or tuition reimbursement for school

e. Paid vacation, sick, or personal days

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: 

Benefits are a type of non-monetary employee compensation provided in addition to salary. Answer "Yes" for 

each benefit your employer offered to you, regardless of whether or not you used the benefit.

Health insurance pays all or part of the costs for your medical, dental, vision, or other health care. It may be 

either completely employer-paid, or offered at a reduced rate as an employee-paid benefit.

Life insurance provides a predetermined amount of money to the family member or other person you have 

identified to receive the support in case of death. It may be either completely employer-paid, or offered at a 

reduced rate as an employee-paid benefit.

Retirement benefits are funds that you, your employer, or both, can set aside to invest while you are working. In 

defined benefit plans (sometimes called pension plans), at the time of retirement, employees are provided a set 

amount based on salary or years of service. In defined contribution plans like a 401(k)/403(b), both employee and 

employer contribute specific amounts but the benefit available upon retirement is tied to investment earnings.

Indicate whether you received benefits or scholarships in any of the specific categories listed.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement

 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

C29

How would you rate your overall satisfaction with this job[ with [employer]/with this employer]? 

1=Very satisfied 

2=Somewhat satisfied 

3=Somewhat dissatisfied 

4=Very dissatisfied

C30

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your job as 

a [job name]: 
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a. Most people at work are pretty supportive of you. 

b. There are people you can learn from at work. 

c. There are people you can turn to for help in solving a work problem. 

d. Most days you are enthusiastic about your work. 

e. You find real enjoyment in your work. 

1=Strongly agree 

2=Agree 

3=Neither agree nor disagree 

4=Disagree 

5=Strongly disagree 

C31

Since June 2012, have you ever gotten a job...

a. with assistance from a high school staff member or from a high school arranged program?

b. With assistance from a postsecondary institution staff member or from a program arranged by a 

postsecondary institution?

C32

[Currently/When you were last enrolled and working at the same time], would you say you [are/were] primarily...

1=A student working to meet expenses, or

2=An employee who decided to enroll in school

Help text: 

An example of a student working to meet expenses would be someone who is enrolled full time but also holds a 

job to earn additional money.

An example of an employee who decided to enroll in school is someone who considers his or her primary focus 

to be work but is attending school to further his or her career or for personal betterment.

Please try to choose the answer that most closely reflects your primary focus for working while enrolled in school.

C33

Were any of the jobs that you held when you were also in school work-study jobs?

Help text: 

Indicate whether your work with this employer is or was a work-study job.
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Work-study jobs are offered to undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to work part-time to 

earn money to help pay their education expenses. Students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid) in order to be considered for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Work-study jobs are often 

located on the campus of a student's school and may or may not be related to a student's course of study.

C34

Were the jobs you held when you were also in school...

1=All on campus

2=All off campus, or

3=Both on and off the campus of your school?

Help text: 

On campus refers to any job located physically within the boundaries of the official campus of your school.

Off campus refers to any job located physically outside the boundaries of the official campus of your school.

C35

According to the information you have provided, there were some months between June 2012 and April 2015 

when you were not working. Were you looking for work...

1=None of those months

2=Some of those months

3=All of those months?

C36

Which months were you looking for work?

*Month:

9=-Select one1=January

2=February

3=March

4=April

5=May

6=June

7=July

8=August

9=September

10=October

11=November

12=December
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C37

What would you say is the main reason that you were not looking for work?

1=Did not want to work

2=Ill, disabled, unable to work

3=Serving in Armed forces

4=Caring for children or other dependents or family members

5=In school

6=Transportation problems

7=Gave up looking for work

8=Other (please specify)

C38

Since June 2012, have you ever received unemployment compensation?

1=Yes

0=No

C39

Salary may be only one part of why people choose a job. Compared to the salary, how important is each of the 

following to you?

 

a. Contribution to society

b. Being seen as an expert

c. Degree of independence

d. Being able to balance time spent working with free time

e. Benefits

f. Job security

g. Location

h. Opportunities for advancement

i. Intellectual challenge

j. Level of responsibility

k. Being able to work with or collaborate with others

l. Being able to contribute to the advancement of your chosen field

1=Less important than salary

2=As important as salary

3=More important than salary

Help text: 

For each item listed, indicate how important you think each one is compared to salary when choosing a job.

C40
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As things stand now, what is the job or occupation that you expect or plan to have at age 30? 

You don’t know

1=Yes

0=No

Not planning to work at age 30

1=Yes

0=No

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code the occupation to a 6-digit 2010 SOC code.

C41

How certain are you that this will be your job or occupation at age 30?

1=Very certain

2=Fairly certain

3=Not certain

C42

Was] your [current/most recent] job related to a career as a [expected job at age 30]? Would you say...

1=Closely related

2=Somewhat related, or

3=Not at all related?

C43

We have some questions about the range of salary you expect to make [once you begin working as a(n) [expected 

job at age 30 job title]/once you finish your education]. What is... 

a. Your expected yearly salary: $|.00 per year

b. Your highest expected yearly salary: $|.00 per year

c. Your lowest expected yearly salary: $|.00 per year

Help text:

For your expected yearly salary, indicate your average expected yearly salary.

For your highest expected yearly salary, imagine the most money you think you could make.

For your lowest expected yearly salary, imagine the least amount of money you think you could make.
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Provide your answer in terms of current dollars; ignore the impact of inflation. If you are unsure, provide your 

best guess.

COMMUNITY SECTION 

D01

Are you currently...

1=single and never married,

2=married,

3=separated,

4=divorced, or

5=widowed?

D02

In what month and year did your marriage begin? (If you have been married more than once, please report the 

date your first marriage began.) 

* Month:

1 = January

2 = February

3 = March

4 = April

5 = May

6 = June

7 = July

8 = August

9 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

* Year

2008=2008

2009=2009

2010=2010

2011=2011

2012=2012

2013=2013

2014=2014

2015=2015

D03

What is the highest level of education your [spouse/partner] has completed?

1=Less than high school completion

2=Completed a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, TASC or alternative high school credential
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3=Completed a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 

years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

4=Completed an Associate's degree (usually a 2-year degree)

5=Completed a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

6=Completed a Master’s degree

7=Completed a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

8=You don’t know

Help text:

A high school diploma is awarded to students after successful completion of the required courses at a high 

school. This category also includes Adult High School Diplomas.

The GED (General Educational Development), HiSET, and TASC certificates or other equivalent credential allows 

those who did not finish high school to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma by passing required exams.

A certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training usually take less than two years to 

complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for direct entry to employment or to 

earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates in administrative support, 

computer programming, and medical records.

An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time equivalent college work.

A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually requires at least 4 years of 

full-time, college-level work.

A master's degree usually requires at least 2 years of full-time graduate-level work and may require a thesis or a 

practicum.

A Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree requires advanced work beyond the master’s 

level. It may be a Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including 

the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and execution of an 

original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some examples of this type of degree 

may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M., and others, as designated by the awarding institution. It 

could also be an M.D., law degree or other doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program 

providing the knowledge and skills for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. 

The degree is awarded after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both preprofessional and professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these 

degrees include: chiropractic (D.C., or D.C.M.); dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); law (L.L.B. or J.D.); medicine (M.D.); 

optometry (O.D.), osteopathic medicine (D.O.); pharmacy (Pharm.D.); podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or 

veterinary medicine (D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

D04

Are you a parent or guardian of any children including biological children, children you have adopted, stepchildren, and foster children?

1=Yes

0=No 

D05
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How many...

a. Biological children do you have? 

b. Adopted children do you have?

c. Stepchildren do you have?

d. Foster children do you have?

D06

We are interested in when you became a parent. [We will ask about your [biological 

and/biological,][adopted/adopted and/adopted, and][step]] children separately.] 

In what month and year was your [first child born/child born]?

D07

 Month:

 -9=Select one

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=Select one

 2008=2008 or earlier

 2009=2009

 2010=2010

 2011=2011

 2012=2012

 2013=2013

 2014=2014

 2015=2015

D08 

In what month and year did you adopt your [first] adopted child?

 -9=Select one

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March
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 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=Select one

 2008=2008 or earlier

 2009=2009

 2010=2010

 2011=2011

 2012=2012

 2013=2013

 2014=2014

 2015=2015

D09

In what month and year did you first become a caregiver to your [first] stepchild?

 -9=Select one

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=Select one

 2008=2008 or earlier

 2009=2009

 2010=2010

 2011=2011

 2012=2012

 2013=2013

 2014=2014

 2015=2015
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D10

In what month and year did you first become a caregiver to your [first] foster child?

 -9=Select one

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=Select one

 2008=2008 or earlier

 2009=2009

 2010=2010

 2011=2011

 2012=2012

 2013=2013

 2014=2014

 2015=2015

D11

[Does your child/Do any of your children] live with you more than half of the time?

 1=Yes

 0=No

D12

[Besides your [child/children, with whom /With whom] did you live with as of April 2015?

 

 One or more of your parents or guardians

 Your [spouse/partner in a marriage-like relationship]

 Your girlfriend or boyfriend

 Friends or roommates who attend [current/most recent postsecondary institution]

 Other friends, roommates, family, or children

 No one

 1=Yes

 0=No
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D13

Do you...

1=Pay mortgage towards or own your home

2=Pay rent for your home

3=Have some other arrangement?

Help text:

Answer Yes whether you own a home outright (the home is paid for in full), or purchased the house but you are

still making payments on a mortgage. Also answer Yes whether you own a house, town house, or condominium.

Do not include your parents' home.

D14

How much (on average) is your monthly [rent/ mortgage] payment where you currently live? Please indicate only

the amount that you [and your spouse/and your partner] are responsible for paying. If someone else pays your 

[rent/mortgage] on your behalf, please indicate "0." 

Help text:

Indicate your average monthly rent or mortgage payment.

If you share a residence with other people, indicate only the amount that you are responsible for paying. For 

example, if you share an apartment with one other person and you share the rent evenly, only report the amount 

that you pay to cover your half.

If someone else pays your rent or mortgage for you every month, or if you owe nothing on a home you own and 

have paid for it in full, indicate "0."

Do not include money for any other living expenses, such as food, utilities, transportation, etc. in your answer.

If you are unsure of the amount, provide your best guess.

D15

Do you regularly contribute to household expenses by paying money towards the mortgage or rent, paying certain 

household bills, or buying things such as groceries?

 1=Yes

 0=No

D16

What is the 5-digit ZIP code for your current residence?

D17

Is your current address also your permanent address? Your permanent address is usually your legal residence, 

such as where you maintain your driver’s license or are registered to vote.
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 1=Yes

 0=No

Help Text:

Your permanent address is usually your legal residence, which is typically defined as the residence where you are 

registered to vote, where you pay your local and state taxes, and where you maintain your driver's license and car

registration.

If you are under 24 years of age, or are dependent on parental support, your legal residence is usually the 

residence of your parents or legal guardians.

If your permanent address is outside the United States, select only the checkbox.

D18

What [is/was] the 5-digit ZIP code of your permanent address[ when you last attended [current/most recent 

institution]]? Your permanent address is usually your legal residence, such as where you maintain your driver’s 

license or are registered to vote. 

Help Text:

Your permanent address is usually your legal residence, which is typically defined as the residence where you are 

registered to vote, where you pay your local and state taxes, and where you maintain your driver's license and car 

registration.

If you are under 24 years of age, or are dependent on parental support, your legal residence is usually the 

residence of your parents or legal guardians.

If your permanent address is outside the United States, select only the checkbox.

D19

[Does/Do] [your child/any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you? / Did [your 

child/ any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you at any time between July 

2014 and June 2015?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer Yes if you have a child or children who received more than half of their financial support from 

you during the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), even if these children did not live with you. 

Foster children are not considered dependents for this question.

D20

How many of your children receive more than half of their financial support from you? [else] How many of your 

children received more than half of their financial support from you at any time between July 2014 and June 

2015?
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

E-55

Help text:

Report the number of children who received more than half of their financial support from you in the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), even if these children did not live with you. Foster children are not 

considered dependents for this question.

D21

[Not including [your spouse] [and] [this child/these [B14EDEP2] children], did anyone receive more than half of 

their financial support from you [at any time between July 2014 and June 2015]? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you provided more than half the financial support for anybody other than a spouse or children 

in the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), who lived in your household.

Examples of other dependents might include parents, grandparents, other relatives, or anybody else for whom 

you provided more than half their financial support. Foster children are not considered dependents for this 

question.

Do not include yourself, a spouse, or any children as other dependents in this question.

D22

[Not including [your spouse] [and] [this child/these [B14EDEP2] children], how many other/How many] people 

received more than half of their financial support from you [at any time between July 2014 and June 2015]? 

Help text:

Indicate how many other dependents who lived in your household received more than half their financial 

support from you in the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015).

Examples of other dependents might include parents, grandparents, other relatives, or anybody else for whom 

you provided more than half their financial support. Foster children are not considered dependents for this 

question.

Do not count yourself, a spouse, or any children as other dependents in this question.

D23

Since July 2014, have you regularly given any friends or family who do not live with you more than $50 per month 

to help them out?

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text:
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

E-56

Please indicate if you have regularly given anyone who does not live with you more than $50 per month since July 

2014.

Do not include one-time or occasional payment(s) made.

Do not include money used to pay back loan(s) given to you or any money used to pay for your own room/board.

D24

What was your income for calendar year 2014, prior to taxes and deductions? (Calendar year 2014 includes 

January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Include all income you paid taxes on, including work, investment 

income, or alimony. Do not include [your spouse's income,] any grants or loans you may have used to pay for 

school, or any money given to you by your family.)

Help text:

Estimate your gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 20112014-December 31, 2014). Do not 

include any income earned during 2015. Your gross income is the full amount before taxes, Social Security, and 

other deductions are taken out.

Include wages from off-campus jobs, on-campus jobs, work-study jobs, assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, 

summer jobs, or any other source. Also include income received from a trust fund.

Do not include scholarships, grants or loans, or any money given to you by your family.

If you are unsure what your income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D25

We understand that you may not be able to provide an exact number for your income.

However, it would be extremely helpful if you would indicate which of the following ranges best estimates your 

income for calendar year 2014, prior to taxes and deductions. (Calendar year 2014 includes January 1, 2014 

through December 31, 2014. Include all income you paid taxes on, including work, investment income, or alimony. 

Do not include [your spouse's income,] any grants or loans you may have used to pay for school, or any money 

given to you by your family.)

1=No income

2=$1,000 or less

3=$1,001-$2,500

4=$2,501-$5,000

5=$5,001-$10,000

6=$10,001-$15,000

7=$15,001-$20,000

8=$20,001-$25,000

9=$25,001-$30,000

10=$30,001-$35,000

11=$35,001-$45,000

12=$45,001-$55,000

13=$55,001-$75,000

14=$75,001 and above
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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15=Don't know

Help text:

Estimate your gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014). Do not 

include any income earned during 2015. Your gross income is the full amount before taxes, Social Security, and 

other deductions are taken out.

Include wages from off-campus jobs, on-campus jobs, work-study jobs, assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, 

summer jobs, or any other source. Also include income received from a trust fund.

Do not include scholarships, grants or loans, or any money given to you by your family.

If you are unsure what your income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D26

What was your spouse’s income for calendar year 2014, prior to taxes and deductions? (Calendar year 2014 

includes January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Include all income your spouse paid taxes on, including 

work, investment income, or alimony. Do not include any grants or loans your spouse may have used to pay for 

school, or any money given to your spouse by family.)

D27

We understand that you may not be able to provide an exact number for your spouse’s income.

However, it would be extremely helpful if you would indicate which of the following ranges best estimates your 

spouse's income for calendar year 2014, prior to taxes and deductions. (Calendar year 2014 includes January 1, 

2014 through December 31, 2014. Include all income your spouse paid taxes on, including work, investment 

income, or alimony. Do not include any grants or loans your spouse may have used to pay for school, or any 

money given to your spouse by family.)

1=No income

2=$1,000 or less

3=$1,001-$2,500

4=$2,501-$5,000

5=$5,001-$10,000

6=$10,001-$15,000

7=$15,001-$20,000

8=$20,001-$25,000

9=$25,001-$30,000

10=$30,001-$35,000

11=$35,001-$45,000

12=$45,001-$55,000

13=$55,001-$75,000

14=$75,001 and above

15=Don't know

Help text:
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

E-58

Estimate your spouse's gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014). 

Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before taxes, Social Security, and 

other deductions are taken out.

Include wages from any work-study jobs, assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, or any other source of income 

for your spouse. Also include income received from a trust fund.

Do not include scholarships, grants or loans, or any money given to your spouse by family.

If you are unsure what your spouse's income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D28

What is the current marital status of your parents or guardians? If your parents are not married to each other and 

not living together, please answer this question about the marital status of the parent or guardian whom you lived 

with most during the past 12 months. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer about the 

parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months, or during the most recent year that you 

received support from a parent.)

 1=Married or remarried

 2=Unmarried and both parents living together

 3=Never married

 4=Divorced or separated

 5=Widowed

 6=None of the above - Both parents or guardians are deceased

Help Text

Indicate the option which best describes the current marital status of your parent(s) or guardian(s).

For example...

Indicate Married or remarried if your parents are married to each other, or if your parents are divorced, but the 

parent you lived with most is now remarried.

Indicate “Unmarried and both parents living together” if your parents have never been married to each other but 

are living together.

Indicate Never married if your parents were never married to each other, are living apart, and the parent you 

lived with most has never married anyone else.

Indicate Divorced or separated if your parents are divorced, and the parent you lived with most has not 

remarried.

Indicate Widowed if your parents were married, and your surviving parent is not remarried.

D29

What was your parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through 

December 31, 2014), prior to taxes and deductions?

Help text:
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

E-59

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D30

We understand that you may not be able to provide an exact number for your parents' or guardians' combined 

income.

However, it would be extremely helpful if you would indicate which of the following ranges best estimates your 

parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014), 

prior to taxes and deductions.

 1= $35,000 or less

 2=$35,001 to $75,000

 3=$75,001 to $95,000

 4=$95,001 to $115,000

 5=$115,001 and above

 6=Don't know

Help text:

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D31

Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many people (for example, brothers or sisters or 

grandparents) have received more than half of their financial support from your parents or guardians [since July 

1, 2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]? 

(If your parents are divorced and the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months is remarried, tell us 

about the number of people that parent and the person he or she is married to, are supporting.)

Help text:

Indicate the number of people who have received more than half of their financial support from your parents (or 

guardians) [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year (July 

1, 2014-June 30, 2015).

Include brothers and sisters, grandparents, or anybody else to whom your parents provided more than half of 

their financial support. Do not include yourself or your parents in the total.

D32
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many of the people who receive more than half of 

their financial support from your parents or guardians have attended a postsecondary institution [since July 1, 

2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]?

Help text:

Indicate the number of people supported financially by your parent(s) or guardian(s), who attended a 

postsecondary institution [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015)].

Do not include yourself or your parents (or guardians) in the total.

A trade school offers instruction in skilled trades. It is not a high school.

D33

In the last 12 months, have your parents or guardians provided, contributed, or paid for any of the following for 

you? Choose all that apply. 

a. Expenses for your child/children or regular childcare

b. Food

c. Car insurance

d. Health insurance

e. Cell or land line phone bill

f. Utilities such as electricity or heat

g. Rent or mortgage payment

h. Down payment on a house

i. Education tuition or fees

j. Credit card bill payments

k. Cash, allowance, or spending money

D34

Have your parents (or guardians) help you pay for any of your education or living expenses while you have been 

enrolled in a postsecondary institution?

(Tuition and fees or school books are examples of education expenses. Rent and food are examples of living 

expenses.)

 1=Yes

 0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether your parents (or guardians) paid for any education or living expenses while you were enrolled in 

a postsecondary institution.

Do not include any assistance from your other family members or a spouse.

D35
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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Between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, did you or anyone in your household receive any of the following 

benefits? 

a. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 

b. SNAP (the Food Stamp Program), 

c. TANF (the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program), 

d. The Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, 

e. WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer Yes if you or anyone in your family household received any of the following benefits between July 1, 2014 

and June 30, 2015:

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited 

income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income and 

provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

The federal Food Stamp Program was renamed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some state 

program names may vary. States typically issue SNAP benefits through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that 

are used to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores, farmers' markets, etc. EBT cards work like debit 

cards.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) payments provide financial assistance to families with limited 

resources. The assistance is time-limited (typically a maximum of 60 months).

Household size and family income are used to determine eligibility for free or reduced price school lunches in 

the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch program.

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is an assistance program for 

low-income pregnant women or new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC 

provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, health screenings, and health care referrals.

D36

From April 2014 to April 2015, , about how often have you done each of the following?

a. Worried about having enough money for regular expenses

b. Worried about paying for college

c. Carried a balance on a credit card

d. Chose not to participate in an activity due to lack of money

e. Chose not to purchase required academic materials (books, course packs, supplies) due to their cost

f. Investigated transferring to a less expensive college

g. Investigated withdrawing from college due to costs

h. Investigated working more hours to pay for college costs

i. Investigated working more hours to pay for living expenses 

j. Investigated increasing your borrowing to pay for college costs

k. Investigated increasing your borrowing to pay for living expenses

1=Never

2=Sometimes
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

E-62

3=Often

4=Very Often

D37

Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements where 1 = Not at all and 6=Very 

much: 

a. Financial concerns have interfered with your academic performance

b. Work schedule has interfered with your academic performance

c. You could pay for an unexpected expense of $500

d. Considering what you pay for your college education, attending your institution is a good investment

D38

We want to ask about any student loans you may have taken out from the federal government or from a private 

lender. Have you ever taken out any student loans for your education? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have ever taken out student loans. Include any federal, private, state, and school loans, and 

include money borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or 

money borrowed from family or friends.

Federal student loans, for example:

 Subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans (previously known as Stafford Loans)

 Perkins Loans

 Graduate and professional student PLUS Loans

Private loans

 Usually require a co-signer

 Have market interest rates based on credit history

 Home equity loans are not considered private loans

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

E-63

School loans

 Loans for which your school rather than the Federal government, state government, or another private 

organization is the lender

 Sometimes restricted to individuals meeting certain qualifications

You just indicated you have taken out student loans. 

We are interested in learning more about any private student loans you may have taken. 

Private student loans are borrowed from a private lender, such as a bank (or sometimes a state), and usually 

require a co-signer. In contrast, federal student loans, such as subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans 

(previously known as Stafford Loans), are from the federal government. We are only interested in private loans in 

the following questions.

Help text:

This is an informational screen only. (Click the "Next" button.)

D39

Have you ever taken out any private loans from a private lender for your education?

(Private loans are borrowed from a private lender such as a bank or sometimes a state, usually require a co-signer, 

and have market interest rates based on credit history. Click here for examples of private loans.)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have ever taken out any private or alternative loans for your education. Include money 

borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money 

borrowed from family or friends.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the student 

does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D40

What is the total amount that you have ever borrowed in private loans for your education? Do not include any 

money borrowed in federal loans or any money borrowed from family or friends in your answer. (If you are 

unsure of the amount of your private loans, please provide your best guess.)

Help text:

Indicate the total amount that you borrowed in private or alternative loans for your entire education. Include the 

private loan amount borrowed for all schools you have attended. If you are unsure of the amount of your private 

loans, provide your best guess.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

 Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the 

student does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money borrowed from family or friends.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D41
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

E-65

Please indicate the range for the total amount you borrowed in private loans for your education. Would you say it 

was...

 1=2,500 or less

 2=$2,501 - $5,000

 3=$5,001 - $10,000

 4=$10,001 - $20,000

 5=$20,001 - $30,000

 6=$30,001 - $45,000

 7=$45,000 or more

 8=Don't know

Help text:

Choose the option that best describes the total amount you borrowed in alternative or private loans for your 

entire education. Include the private loan amount borrowed for all schools you attended. If you are unsure of the 

amount of your private loans, provide your best guess.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

 Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the 

student does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota's SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money borrowed from family or friends.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D42

Thinking only about the 2014-2015 school year, did you take out any private loans borrowed from a private 

lender?

(Private loans are borrowed from a private lender such as a bank or sometimes a state, usually require a co-signer, 

and have market interest rates based on credit history. Click here for examples of private loans .)
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you received any type of private or alternative loans from a private lender during the 2014-

2015 school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include private loans for all schools you attended in 2014-2015. 

Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money borrowed from family or friends.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

 Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the 

student does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D43

For the 2014-2015 school year, how much did you borrow in private loans? Do not include any money borrowed 

in federal loans or any money borrowed from family or friends in your answer. 

(If you are unsure of the amount of your private loans, please provide your best guess.)

Help text:

Indicate the amount that you borrowed in private or alternative loans for the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 

2014-June 30, 2015). Include the private loan amount borrowed for all schools you attended in 2014-2015. If you 

are unsure of the amount of your private loans, provide your best guess.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

 Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the 

student does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money borrowed from family or friends.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D44

For the 2014-2015 school year, please indicate the range for how much you borrowed in private loans. Would you 

say it was...

1=$2,500 or less

2=$2,501-$5,000

3=$5,001-$7,500

4=$7,501 - $10,000

5=$10,001-$12,500

6=$12,501-$15,000

7=$15,001-$17,500

8=$17,500 or more

9=Don't know

Help text:

Choose the option that best describes the amount you borrowed in alternative or private loans for the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include the private loan amount borrowed for all schools you attended in 

2014-2015. If you are unsure of the amount of your private loans, provide your best guess.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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 Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the 

student does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money borrowed from family or friends.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D45

When you have completed your [highest undergraduate credential expected], what is your best estimate of the 

total amount you will have borrowed to pay for it and any other postsecondary education you will have had at 

that point?

0=$01=$5,000 or less

2=$5,001 – $10,000

3=$10,001 - $15,000

4=$15,001 – $25,000

5=$25,001 – $35,000

6=$35,001 – $55,000

7=$55,001 or more

8=Don’t know

D46

Not including scholarships from any school or state, have you ever receive any of the following for your 

postsecondary education? 

a. Veteran's education benefits?

b. Scholarships or tuition reimbursement from your employer[ or from your parents' or guardians' 

employer]?

c. Scholarships from a private organization such as a church, PTA, fraternity or sorority, or foundation?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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Indicate whether you received benefits or scholarships in any of the specific categories listed for the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include benefits or scholarships you received for all schools you attended 

in 2014-2015.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Veteran's education benefits

 Post-9/11 GI Bill

 Montgomery GI Bill

 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement

 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

Private organization scholarships, for example:

 UNCF

 National Merit Scholarship Corporation

 Corporate foundations (for example, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

 Civic and religious organizations

Do not report scholarships received from any state or schools, even if these schools are private institutions. 

Also do not include any student loan amounts here; there are separate questions that ask about student loans.

D47

Thinking only about the 2014-2015 school year and not including scholarships from any school or state, did you 

receive any: 

a. Veteran's education benefits?

b. Scholarships or tuition reimbursement from your employer[ or from your parents' or guardians' 

employer]?

c. Scholarships from a private organization such as a church, PTA, fraternity/sorority, or foundation?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you received benefits or scholarships in any of the specific categories listed for the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include benefits or scholarships you received for all schools you attended 

in 2014-2015.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Veteran's education benefits
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 Post-9/11 GI Bill

 Montgomery GI Bill

 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement

 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

Private organization scholarships, for example:

 UNCF

 National Merit Scholarship Corporation

 Corporate foundations (for example, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

 Civic and religious organizations

Do not report scholarships received from any state or schools, even if these schools are private institutions. 

Also do not include any student loan amounts here; there are separate questions that ask about student loans.

D48

Again, thinking only of the 2014-2015 school year, what was the total amount you received in... 

(If you are unsure of the amount(s), please provide your best guess.)

a. Veteran's education benefits 

b. Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement 

c. Private organization scholarships

Help text:

Provide the total amount you received for the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015) for each type of 

benefit or scholarship listed. Include benefits or scholarships you received for all schools you attended in 2014-

2015. If you are unsure of the amount, please provide your best guess.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Veteran's education benefits

 Post-9/11 GI Bill

 Montgomery GI Bill

 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement
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 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

Private organization scholarships, for example:

 UNCF

 National Merit Scholarship Corporation

 Corporate foundations (for example, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

 Civic and religious organizations

Do not report scholarships received from any state or schools, even if these schools are private institutions. 

Also do not include any student loan amounts here; there are separate questions that ask about student loans.

D49

Were you born in the United States, in Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory, or another country? 

 1=United States

 2=Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory

 3=Another country

D50

Are you a U.S. citizen?

1=Yes, U.S. Citizen

2=No, Resident alien, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen; hold a temporary resident's card or 

other eligible non-citizen temporary resident's card

3=No - Student visa, in the country on an F1 or F2 visa, or on a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa

Help text:

Indicate your citizenship status. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, select Yes.

If you are a U.S. permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), sometimes called a Green Card, or 

an eligible noncitizen with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94), or an eligible noncitizen with a Temporary Resident 

Card (I-688), select No - Resident alien, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen; hold a temporary 

resident's card or other eligible non-citizen temporary resident's card.

If you are in the U.S. under any of the following, please select No - Student visa, in the country on an F1 or F2 

visa, or on a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa.

 F1 visa - an alien having residence in a foreign country which he/she has no intention of abandoning, who 

is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study and who seeks to enter the United States 

temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study at an educational institution in 

the United States.

 F2 visa- For a spouse and/or dependent children of a student with an F1 visa to enter the U.S.

 J1 visa- an alien having residence in a foreign country which he/she has no intention of abandoning who is 

a bona fide student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field 

of specialized knowledge or skill, or other person of similar description, who is coming temporarily to the 

United States as a participant in a program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, 

observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving training.
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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 J2 visa- For a spouse and/or dependent children of a person with a J1 visa to enter the U.S.

D51

Are you currently registered to vote? 

1=Yes 

2=No 

3=You are not eligible to vote

D52

How many hours did you volunteer or perform community service in the last month that was not required by[ 

your postsecondary institution,][your employer,][ or] the criminal justice system?

D53

Are you currently serving or have you ever served in the Armed Forces?

1=Yes, currently serving

2=Yes, but not currently serving

3=No, have never served

D54

In which branches of the Armed Forces have you served?

a. Army

b. Air Force

c. Marine Corps

d. Navy

e. Coast Guard

1 = Yes

0 = No

D55

Are you currently serving...

1=on active duty,

2=in the Reserves

3=in the National Guard, or

4=ROTC?

Help text:

The U.S. Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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Active duty means full-time employment in the uniformed service as an officer or enlisted person. Civilian 

employees of the military are not included.

In this question, Reserves refers to part-time employment in the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps 

Reserve, Air Force Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve. These reserve components are administered and trained by 

the corresponding service branch.

In this question, National Guard refers to part-time employment in the Army National Guard or Air National 

Guard. National Guard personnel operate under a state governor, except when called into federal service.

ROTC, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, is a college-based program for training commissioned officers of the 

United States Armed Forces. ROTC officers serve in all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

D56

In what month and year did your first military service begin?

 Month:

 -9=Select one

 1=January

 2=February

 3=March

 4=April

 5=May

 6=June

 7=July

 8=August

 9=September

 10=October

 11=November

 12=December

 Year:

 -9=Select one

 2008=2008

 2009=2009

 2010=2010

 2011=2011

 2012=2012

 2013=2013

 2014=2014

 2015=2015

D57

In what month and year did your most recent military

D58
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What is the highest military pay grade you have achieved?

1=E-1

2=E-2

3=E-3

4=E-4

5=E-5

6=E-6

7=O-1

8=O-2

9=W-1

10=W-2

11=W-5

12=Other (please specify)

D59

Have you ever served on active duty?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Active duty means full-time employment in the uniformed service as an officer or enlisted person. Civilian 

employees of the military are not included.

D60

Have you ever served in a combat zone?

1=Yes

0=No

D61

These next few questions will help us better understand the educational services available for people with 

disabilities. 

Are you deaf or do you have serious difficulty hearing?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer "Yes" if you are deaf or if you have a hearing impairment that makes it very difficult to hear what is said in 

a conversation with another person or very difficult to hear what is said in a telephone or radio broadcast.

D62
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Are you blind or do you have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer "Yes" if you are blind or if you have a vision impairment that makes it very difficult to do things that other

people of the same age do, such as read a newspaper or book, watch television, or drive a car, even while wearing 

glasses or other corrective lenses.

D63

Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, 

or making decisions?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer "Yes" if it is sometimes or always very difficult or impossible to remember or concentrate, if you forget to 

eat, forget to take medication, or if you have a serious learning disability.

D64

Do you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer "Yes" if it is sometimes or always very difficult or impossible to walk three city blocks or to climb a flight 

of stairs.

D65

Do you have dyslexia?

1=Yes

0=No

Help Text:

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulty learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols. It does not

affect general intelligence.

D66

Have you ever received accommodations for your disability from the postsecondary institutions you have 

attended, such as priority registration, test taking accommodations, or counseling? 
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1=Yes

0=No

Help Text: 

Accommodations may include aids and services for communication such as qualified interpreters, assistive 

listening systems, captioning, TTYs, qualified readers, audio recordings, taped texts, Braille materials, large print 

materials, materials on computer disk, and adapted computer terminals; modifications to classroom policies and 

practices such as rescheduling classes to an accessible location; early enrollment options for students with 

disabilities to allow time to arrange accommodations; substitution of specific courses required for completion of 

degree requirements; allowing service animals in the classroom; providing students with disabilities with a 

syllabus prior to the beginning of class; clearly communicating course requirements, assignments, due dates, 

grading criteria both orally and in written form; providing written outlines or summaries of class lectures, or 

integrating this information into comments at the beginning and end of class; and allowing students to use 

notetakers or tape record lectures; and test taking accommodations such as allowing a student extended time to 

complete a test or providing a distraction-free space, sign language interpreters, readers, or alternative test 

formats.

D67

How important is each of the following to you in your life?

a. [Having/Finding] the right person to marry or partner with and having a happy family life

b. Having lots of money

c. Having strong friendships

d. Helping other people in your community

e. Being able to give your children good opportunities

f. Living close to parents and relatives

D68

Since June 2012, have any of the following happened to you?

a. Your parents or guardians got divorced or separated either from each other or from another spouse or 

partner

b. One of your parents or guardians lost his or her job

c. You lost your job

d. One of your parents or guardians died

e. A close relative or friend died

f. You became seriously ill or disabled

g. A parent, guardian, or sibling became seriously ill or disabled

1=No, has not happened since June 2012 

2=Yes, has happened once since June 2012 

3=Yes, has happened more than once since June 2012

D69

What sex were you assigned at birth (what the doctor put on your birth certificate)? 
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1=Male

2=Female

D70

What is your gender? Your gender is how you feel inside and can be the same or different than your biological or 

birth sex. When a person’s sex and gender do not match, they might think of themselves as transgender. (Choose 

all that apply)

a. Female 

b. Male 

c. Transgender, male-to-female

d. Transgender, female-to-male

e. Transgender, do not identify as exclusively female or male

f. You are not sure

g. You do not know what this question is asking

D71

Do you think of yourself as...

1=Lesbian or gay, that is, homosexual

2=Straight, that is, heterosexual

3=Bisexual 

4=Asexual 

5=Something else (please specify)

6=Don’t know

D72

Do you think discrimination based on your sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality, religion or 

some other characteristic has...

a. Limited your educational success?

b. Limited your advancement at your workplace?

1=Yes

0=No

LOCATING SECTION 

E01

In the future, we would like to be able to get in touch with you again to see what you’re doing and what has 

changed in your life. To find you then, we need to collect some contact information.

E02

We currently have your name as follows:
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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(Make any necessary corrections, then select Next.)

 

 First name:

 Middle name:

 Last name:

 

E03

We currently have the following address(es) for you:

(If all parts of an address are complete and accurate, indicate "Good." If any portion of an address needs 

correction, indicate “Good, but needs updating” and you will have a chance to make corrections on the next 

screens.)

 Address 1

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

 Address 2

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

 Address 3

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

E04

Other than the address(es) you've already confirmed as good, is there another address where we can reach you?

 

 1=Yes

 0=No

E05

Please update the following address:

[Please provide your address./What is your address?]

 

 Street Address:

 City:

 State:

 Zip code:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.
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 1=Yes

 0=No

 

E06

Are there any additional addresses where you can be reached?

 

 1=Yes

 0=No

E07

Please update the following address:

Please provide your address below:

What is your address?

 

 Street Address:

 City:

 State:

 ZIP Code:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.

1=Yes

 0=No

E08

Please provide the full and correct address information for the last address you want to correct.

 

 Street Address:

 City:

 State:

 ZIP Code:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.

 1=Yes

 0=No

 
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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E09

Please provide an e-mail address you're likely to have in 3 years when we will want to contact you again. If you 

have more than one e-mail address, please provide those as well.

Please update the list below with your email address(es). Delete any old email address(es) that may appear and 

include addresses you’re likely to have in 3 years when we will want to contact you again.

What is an e-mail address you're likely to have in 3 years when we will want to contact you again? If you have 

more than one e-mail address, please provide (or update) those as well.

 

 E-Mail Address 1:

 E-Mail Address 2:

 E-Mail Address 3:

 E-Mail Address 4:

 

E10

Please provide [or update] the following phone numbers:

 

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Work Phone:

 Other Telephone:

 

E11

Now we would like to ask you to provide (or update) the names of your parents (or guardians). 

Check and correct the spelling of all names.

 

 -9=- Select Title -

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 -9=- Select Title -

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 -9=- Select Title -

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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 4=Dr.

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 -9=- Select Title -

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 

E12

Please provide (or update) the phone number for each parent (or guardian).

 

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Work Phone:

 

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Work Phone:

 

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Work Phone:

 

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Work Phone:

 

E13

We currently have the following address information for [Parent 1 first and last name] and [Parent 2 first and last 

name].

 

If all parts of the contact information are complete and accurate, indicate “Good”)

 

 Parent 1 Address

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

 

E14

You previously provided [some addresses/an address]. Do [parent 1] and [parent 2]/Does [parent 1] / Does 

[parent 2] live at:
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

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 1=Address 1

 2=Address 2

 3=Address 3

 4=Address 4

 5=Address 5

 0=No, [[Parent 1] and [Parent 2] live/[Parent 1] lives / Parent 2 lives] at a different address.

E15

Please [update/provide] contact information for [the following parent(s) or guardian(s)/your parents or guardians 

who live together at the same address]. 

(You will have the opportunity to provide contact information for other parents or guardians who live at a 

different residence next.)

 (Parent 1) Last Name:

 (Parent 1) First Name:

 Title:

 -9=-- Select Title --

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 (Parent 2) Last Name:

 (Parent 2) First Name:

 Title:

 -9=-- Select Title --

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 Street Address:

 ZIP Code:

 State:

 City:

 

Foreign Country:

 Foreign Phone:

 (Parent 1) Cell Phone:

 (Parent 2) Cell Phone:

 Home phone:

 (Street Address 2:)

 

Please check here if the address is an international address.

 1=Yes

 0=No
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 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 

E16

We currently have the following address information for [[Parent 3] and [Parent 4]/[Parent 3]/[Parent 4]]. 

(If all parts of the address are complete and accurate, indicate "Good.")

 [Address]

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

E17

You previously provided [some addresses/an address.] [Do [Parent 3] and [Parent 4] / Does [Parent 3] / Does 

[Parent 4] live at:

 

 1=Address 1

 2=Address 2

 3=Address 3

 4=Address 4

 5=Address 5

0=No, [[Parent 3] and [Parent 4] live/[Parent 3] lives / Parent 4 lives] at a different address.

E18

Please [update/provide] contact information for your other parent(s) or guardian(s).

 

 (Parent 1) First Name:

 (Parent 1) Last Name:

 Title:

 -9=-- Select Title --

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.

 4=Dr.

 (Parent 2) First Name:

 (Parent 2) Last Name:

 Title:

 -9=-- Select Title --

 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Ms.
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 4=Dr.

 Street Address:

 ZIP Code:

 City:

 State:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign Phone:

 (Parent 1) Cell Phone:

 (Parent 2) Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.

 1=Yes

 0=No

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

E19

We currently have the following contact information for someone [other than your spouse,] who you told us will 

always know how to reach you:

(If all parts of the contact information are complete and accurate, indicate "Good.")

 

First name:

Last name: 

Cell Phone: 

Home Phone: 

Address:

 1=Good

 2=Good, but needs updating

 3=Bad

E20

Is there anybody else [other than your spouse,] who will always know how to contact you?

 

 1=Yes

 0=No

E21

Please provide [or update] the name, address, and telephone number for someone else [other than your spouse,] 

who will always know how to contact you.

 Title:

 -9=-Select Title-
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 1=Mr.

 2=Mrs.

 3=Miss

 4=Ms.

 5=Dr.

 

 Last Name:

 First Name:

 Street Address:

 City:

 State:

 ZIP Code:

 Cell Phone:

 Home Phone:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.

 1=Yes

 0=No

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign Phone:

E22

What is your spouse's full name (including previous last name, if applicable)?

 

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 Previous Last Name (if applicable):

 

E23

May we contact you in the coming years by sending a text message to your cell phone?

 

 1=Yes, to [cell phone number]

 2=Yes, to the following number:

 0=No

 

E24

Please provide the name of your cell phone service provider.

 

 -9=-Select one-
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 1=Alltel

 2=AT&T

 3=Boost Mobile

 4=C Spire Wireless

 5=CenturyLink

 6=Cellular One

 7=Cincinnati Bell

 8=Cricket

 9=H2O Wireless

 10=Metro-PCS

 11=NET10 Wireless

 12=Page Plus

 13=Simple Mobile

 14=Sprint Nextel

 15=Straight Talk

 16=T-Mobile

 17=Tracfone

 18=US Cellular

 19=Verizon

 20=Virgin Mobile

 21=Other

 Please provide the name of your cell phone service provider:

 

E25

Next we ask you to provide your social security number. Your SSN will be used to help us find you for future 

follow-up. Your SSN may also be used to retrieve information such as college admission and high school 

equivalency test results, financial aid applications and awards, and transcripts.

What is your Social Security number?

 

(This information will be kept in secure and protected data files, and will be separate from the responses you've 

already provided in this survey. All individually identifiable information supplied by individuals or institutions to a 

federal agency may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or used in identifiable form for 

any other purpose, except as required by law (20 U.S.C. § 9573). However, giving us your Social Security number 

is completely voluntary and there is no penalty for not disclosing it.) 

 

(Please enter the number without any dashes.)

 

E26

To show our appreciation for completing the survey today, we would like to send you a $[incentive amount] 

check. Please select the address to which you would like the check mailed. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.

 

 1=Address 1

 2=Address 2

 3= Address 3

 4= Address 4

 5= Address 5

 6= Address 6
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 7= Address 7

 8= Address 8

 9= Address 9

 10= Address 10

 11= Address 11

 12= Address 12

 13= Address 13

 14=No thanks. I decline the $[incentive amount] incentive.

E27

Please provide the address to which you would like the check mailed. (Allow 4 weeks for delivery.)

To show our appreciation for completing the survey today, we would like to send you a $[incentive amount] 

check. Please provide the address to which you would like the check mailed. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.

 

 First Name:

 Last Name:

 Please check here if the address is an international address.

 1=Yes

 0=No

 Address (street address or PO box):

 Address Line 2:

 City:

 State:

 ZIP code:

 Foreign Address:

 Foreign City:

 Foreign State/Province:

 Foreign Country:

 Foreign Zip/Postal Code:

 I decline the incentive:

 1=Yes

 0=No

E28

You have been randomly selected for participation in a quality control survey. We'd like for you to return to this 

website in about four weeks and go over a small number of your responses. The purpose of this second, much 

shorter survey is to determine how well our questions collect reliable information.

Please enter your e-mail address and telephone number below. We will contact you when it is time to return for 

the short survey.

OR
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You have been randomly selected for participation in a quality control survey. We’d like to call you back in about 

four weeks and go over a small number of your responses. The purpose of this second, much shorter survey is to 

determine how well our questions collect reliable information.

What is the best number at which to reach you?

 

E29

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, thank you for your time and cooperation. We greatly appreciate 

your participation in this study.

 

Reinterview Items

INFORMED CONSENT

I01

Before we begin, it is important to verify that we are interviewing the correct person. 

Are you [name] who was a 9th-grade student at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year?

1=Yes

0=No

I02

If you are not [name] or you were not a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, 

please use the ‘Logout’ link to log out and then call our Help Desk toll-free at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

(If you are [name] who was a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, please click 

the 'Previous' button and change your response to 'Yes'.)

I03

Recently, we sent you material about the U.S. Department of Education’s High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 

(HSLS:09). This survey is being conducted to better understand the education and employment experiences of 

young adults beyond high school. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a [incentive amount] check once 

you complete the survey. Have you had a chance to read the material?

I04

Great. Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may 

decline to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The survey takes about 5 minutes. 
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

I05

The HSLS:09 survey takes about 5 minutes. Your responses, combined with other information (such as admissions 

test data, college enrollment and financial aid data, and other federal databases), may be used only for statistical 

purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in personally identifiable form for any other purpose, unless 

otherwise required by law. You are one of approximately <number> students who will be taking part in this study. 

In addition to your survey responses, we collect college financial aid, student records, and related information 

from postsecondary institutions you have attended (if any) and sources such as college student loan databases 

and admissions testing agencies.

Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may decline 

to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The risk of participating in this study is small and relates to 

data security. However, there are strict security procedures in place. 

To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043. Please call the HSLS:09 Help Desk at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX if you would like to have the materials sent to 

you.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

HIGH SCHOOL SECTION 

A08

Which of the following would you say best describes your high school grades overall (unweighted)?

 

 1=3.75 and above (Mostly A's)

 2=3.25 – 3.75 (A's and B's)

 3=2.75 – 3.24 (Mostly B's)

 4=2.25 – 2.74 (B's and C's)

 5=1.75 – 2.24 (Mostly C's)
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 6=1.25 – 1.74 (C's and D's)

 7=1.24 or below (Mostly D's or below)

 8=Don't know

Help Text: 

Estimate your overall grades by indicating what letter grades you usually received in your courses in high school.

Although some schools provide weighted grades for honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International 

Baccalaureate (IB) classes, please respond based on the unweighted grades you received.

A11

[Did/Have] you ever [stop/stopped] going to high school for a period of 4 weeks or more? Do not include school 

breaks, illness, injury, or vacation. Do include school expulsions or out-of-school suspensions.

 1=Yes

 0=No

POSTSECONDARY SECTION 

For the rest of the interview, the general term “college” refers to 2-year colleges or 4-year colleges. Specifically, the 

term “2-year college” will refer to community colleges or junior colleges. The term “4-year college” refers to 

colleges and universities.

Questions in this interview also use the phrase "schools that provide occupational training" to refer to other types 

of schools after high school, sometimes called technical institutes or trade schools. These schools usually offer 

programs that take less than 2 years to complete. Examples include culinary institutes and cosmetology schools.

The term “postsecondary institutions” includes all of these types of colleges, universities, and schools.

B01

When you were still in high school, did you apply to or register at any postsecondary institutions for enrollment 

after high school?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: Some schools do not require an application for admission. They admit all students who register for 

classes.

B02

How many colleges or schools did you apply to or register at while you were still in high school?

B16
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In what types of programs were you enrolled at [postsecondary institution]? (Select all that apply)

e. Bachelor’s degree program (usually a 4-year degree)

f. Associate’s degree program (usually a 2-year degree)

g. Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 years or 

less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

h. No specific program, but taking courses

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text: 

Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas 

usually take less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for 

direct entry to employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates 

in administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a 

certification or license. Do NOT include certifications or licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or 

college degrees.

Associate’s degree program: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.

Bachelor’s degree program: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually 

requires at least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

No specific program, but taking courses: This means taking courses, but not formally enrolling in a degree or 

certificate program of any sort.

B26

As things stand now, how far in school do you think you will actually get?

1=Less than high school completion

2=Complete a high school diploma, GED or alternative high school credential

3=Start, but not complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training

(usually takes 2 years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

4=Complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 

years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

5=Start, but not complete an Associate’s degree (usually a 2-year degree)

6=Complete an Associate's degree (usually a 2-year degree)

7=Start, but not complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

8=Complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

9=Start, but not complete a Master’s degree

10=Complete a Master’s degree

11=Start, but not complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

12=Complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

13=You don’t know

Help text: 
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Certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas usually take 

less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for direct entry to 

employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates in 

administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a certification 

or license. Do NOT include certifications/licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or college degrees.

Associate’s degree: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.

Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually requires at 

least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

B27

Have you ever had a professional certification or a state or industry license? Do not include business licenses, such 

as a liquor license or vending license. 

A professional certification or license shows you are qualified to perform a specific job and includes things like 

Licensed Realtor, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Teacher, or an IT certification.

1=Yes

0=No

B65

Just before you started your postsecondary education, what was the major or field of study you were most 

seriously considering?

Note: The major will be coded to 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programming codes using a coding 

application.

EMPLOYMENT SECTION

C05

Have you worked for pay, at any time between June 2012 and April 2015, including continuing in any jobs started 

before June 2012? Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study jobs as well as selfemployment.

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have held any paid jobs at any time between June 2012 and April 2015 (June 1, 2012-April 

30, 2015)

If you started a job before June 2012 and continued to work there after June 2012, please consider that job.
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Please consider any jobs for pay, including: full-time and part-time employment, self-employment, work-study 

jobs, and paid internships. Do not report any employers where you have only applied for work or any employer 

where you have not accepted a paid position.

If you have had any paid jobs, including if you have been self-employed, or held work-study jobs or paid 

internships, answer "Yes."

If you have not worked or if all work was unpaid, such as unpaid internships, answer "No."

Federal work-study jobs are offered to undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to work parttime to earn money to help pay their education expenses. Students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid) in order to be considered for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Work-study jobs are often 

located on the campus of a student's school and may or may not be related to a student's course of study.

An internship is any formal or informal program that provides on-the-job-experience for beginners in an 

occupation or profession. Many work in internships in order to learn new skills or to gain job experience. Consider 

only paid internships when answering this question.

C06

How many different jobs have you held between June 2012 and April 2015? Count promotions within the same 

job as one job. 

1=Yes

0=No

C07

Were you working for pay in April of this year? (Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study 

jobs as well as self-employment).

1=Yes

0=No

C09

What month and year did you start this job [working for yourself / at [employer]]?

C10

What month and year did you last work in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself]?

C11
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Between [start date] and [April 2015/[end date]], were there any periods of one month or more during which you 

were not working in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself], not counting time you took off for 

vacation or sick leave?

1=Yes

0=No

C13

Between June 2012 and April 2015, in what months did you work in this job for [[employer name]/this 

employer/yourself]?

Help text:

Indicate all months that you worked for this employer between June 2012 and April 2015, not just the beginning 

and ending months.

If you worked any portion of a month for this employer, indicate that month.

Do not select a month if you did not or will not work for this employer during any part of that month.

If you worked for this employer for all months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If you worked for 

this employer for most months in the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" button and unselect any month 

you did not work for this employer by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

NOTE: Either this question or the series of questions above it (start and end dates, months not working) will be 

asked depending on a pending evaluation of timing efficiency and performance on mobile devices.

C35

According to the information you have provided, there were some months between June 2012 and April 2015 

when you were not working. Were you looking for work...

1=None of those months

2=Some of those months

3=All of those months?

C40

As things stand now, what is the job or occupation that you expect or plan to have at age 30? 

You don’t know

1=Yes

0=No

Not planning to work at age 30
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1=Yes

0=No

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code the occupation to a 6-digit 2010 SOC code.

COMMUNITY SECTION 

D04

Are you a parent or guardian of any children including biological children, children you have adopted, stepchildren, and foster children?

1=Yes

0=No 

D19

[Does/Do] [your child/any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you? / Did [your 

child/ any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you at any time between July 

2014 and June 2015?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer Yes if you have a child or children who received more than half of their financial support from 

you during the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), even if these children did not live with you. 

Foster children are not considered dependents for this question.

D21

[Not including [your spouse] [and] [this child/these [B14EDEP2] children], did anyone receive more than half of 

their financial support from you [at any time between July 2014 and June 2015]? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you provided more than half the financial support for anybody other than a spouse or children 

in the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), who lived in your household.

Examples of other dependents might include parents, grandparents, other relatives, or anybody else for whom 

you provided more than half their financial support. Foster children are not considered dependents for this 

question.

Do not include yourself, a spouse, or any children as other dependents in this question.

D28
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What is the current marital status of your parents or guardians? If your parents are not married to each other and 

not living together, please answer this question about the marital status of the parent or guardian whom you lived 

with most during the past 12 months. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer about the 

parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months, or during the most recent year that you 

received support from a parent.)

 1=Married or remarried

 2=Unmarried and both parents living together

 3=Never married

 4=Divorced or separated

 5=Widowed

 6=None of the above - Both parents or guardians are deceased

Help Text

Indicate the option which best describes the current marital status of your parent(s) or guardian(s).

For example...

Indicate Married or remarried if your parents are married to each other, or if your parents are divorced, but the 

parent you lived with most is now remarried.

Indicate “Unmarried and both parents living together” if your parents have never been married to each other but 

are living together.

Indicate Never married if your parents were never married to each other, are living apart, and the parent you 

lived with most has never married anyone else.

Indicate Divorced or separated if your parents are divorced, and the parent you lived with most has not 

remarried.

Indicate Widowed if your parents were married, and your surviving parent is not remarried.

D29

What was your parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through 

December 31, 2014), prior to taxes and deductions?

Help text:

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D30

We understand that you may not be able to provide an exact number for your parents' or guardians' combined 

income.
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However, it would be extremely helpful if you would indicate which of the following ranges best estimates your 

parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014), 

prior to taxes and deductions.

 1= $35,000 or less

 2=$35,001 to $75,000

 3=$75,001 to $95,000

 4=$95,001 to $115,000

 5=$115,001 and above

 6=Don't know

Help text:

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D31

Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many people (for example, brothers or sisters or 

grandparents) have received more than half of their financial support from your parents or guardians [since July 

1, 2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]? 

(If your parents are divorced and the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months is remarried, tell us 

about the number of people that parent and the person he or she is married to, are supporting.)

Help text:

Indicate the number of people who have received more than half of their financial support from your parents (or 

guardians) [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year (July 

1, 2014-June 30, 2015).

Include brothers and sisters, grandparents, or anybody else to whom your parents provided more than half of 

their financial support. Do not include yourself or your parents in the total.

D32

Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many of the people who receive more than half of 

their financial support from your parents or guardians have attended a postsecondary institution [since July 1, 

2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]?

Help text:

Indicate the number of people supported financially by your parent(s) or guardian(s), who attended a 

postsecondary institution [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015)].

Do not include yourself or your parents (or guardians) in the total.
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A trade school offers instruction in skilled trades. It is not a high school.

D38

We want to ask about any student loans you may have taken out from the federal government or from a private 

lender. Have you ever taken out any student loans for your education? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have ever taken out student loans. Include any federal, private, state, and school loans, and 

include money borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or 

money borrowed from family or friends.

Federal student loans, for example:

 Subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans (previously known as Stafford Loans)

 Perkins Loans

 Graduate and professional student PLUS Loans

Private loans

 Usually require a co-signer

 Have market interest rates based on credit history

 Home equity loans are not considered private loans

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

School loans

 Loans for which your school rather than the Federal government, state government, or another private 

organization is the lender

 Sometimes restricted to individuals meeting certain qualifications

You just indicated you have taken out student loans. 

We are interested in learning more about any private student loans you may have taken. 
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Private student loans are borrowed from a private lender, such as a bank (or sometimes a state), and usually 

require a co-signer. In contrast, federal student loans, such as subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans 

(previously known as Stafford Loans), are from the federal government. We are only interested in private loans in 

the following questions.

Help text:

This is an informational screen only. (Click the "Next" button.)

D39

Have you ever taken out any private loans from a private lender for your education?

(Private loans are borrowed from a private lender such as a bank or sometimes a state, usually require a co-signer, 

and have market interest rates based on credit history. Click here for examples of private loans.)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have ever taken out any private or alternative loans for your education. Include money 

borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money 

borrowed from family or friends.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the student 

does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D46
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Not including scholarships from any school or state, have you ever receive any of the following for your 

postsecondary education? 

d. Veteran's education benefits?

e. Scholarships or tuition reimbursement from your employer[ or from your parents' or guardians' 

employer]?

f. Scholarships from a private organization such as a church, PTA, fraternity or sorority, or foundation?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you received benefits or scholarships in any of the specific categories listed for the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include benefits or scholarships you received for all schools you attended 

in 2014-2015.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Veteran's education benefits

 Post-9/11 GI Bill

 Montgomery GI Bill

 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement

 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

Private organization scholarships, for example:

 UNCF

 National Merit Scholarship Corporation

 Corporate foundations (for example, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

 Civic and religious organizations

Do not report scholarships received from any state or schools, even if these schools are private institutions. 

Also do not include any student loan amounts here; there are separate questions that ask about student loans.

E29

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, thank you for your time and cooperation. We greatly appreciate 

your participation in this study.

 
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Abbreviated Interview Items

INFORMED CONSENT

I01

Before we begin, it is important to verify that we are interviewing the correct person. 

Are you [name] who was a 9th-grade student at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year?

1=Yes

0=No

I02

If you are not [name] or you were not a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, 

please use the ‘Logout’ link to log out and then call our Help Desk toll-free at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

(If you are [name] who was a 9th-grader at [base year high school] during the 2008-2009 school year, please click 

the 'Previous' button and change your response to 'Yes'.)

I03

Recently, we sent you material about the U.S. Department of Education’s High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 

(HSLS:09). This survey is being conducted to better understand the education and employment experiences of 

young adults beyond high school. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a [incentive amount] check once 

you complete the survey. Have you had a chance to read the material?

I04

Great. Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may 

decline to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The survey takes about 5 minutes. 

To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

I05

The HSLS:09 survey takes about 5 minutes. Your responses, combined with other information (such as admissions 

test data, college enrollment and financial aid data, and other federal databases), may be used only for statistical 

purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in personally identifiable form for any other purpose, unless 
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otherwise required by law. You are one of approximately <number> students who will be taking part in this study. 

In addition to your survey responses, we collect college financial aid, student records, and related information 

from postsecondary institutions you have attended (if any) and sources such as college student loan databases 

and admissions testing agencies.

Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may decline 

to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The risk of participating in this study is small and relates to 

data security. However, there are strict security procedures in place. 

To review the letter that we mailed, click here.

To review the study brochure, click here.

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact the study's director, Dan Pratt, at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. 

For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-

214-2043. Please call the HSLS:09 Help Desk at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX if you would like to have the materials sent to 

you.

You may click the 'Next' button to begin.

HIGH SCHOOL SECTION 

A08

Which of the following would you say best describes your high school grades overall (unweighted)?

 

 1=3.75 and above (Mostly A's)

 2=3.25 – 3.75 (A's and B's)

 3=2.75 – 3.24 (Mostly B's)

 4=2.25 – 2.74 (B's and C's)

 5=1.75 – 2.24 (Mostly C's)

 6=1.25 – 1.74 (C's and D's)

 7=1.24 or below (Mostly D's or below)

 8=Don't know

Help Text: 

Estimate your overall grades by indicating what letter grades you usually received in your courses in high school.

Although some schools provide weighted grades for honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International 

Baccalaureate (IB) classes, please respond based on the unweighted grades you received.

A11

[Did/Have] you ever [stop/stopped] going to high school for a period of 4 weeks or more? Do not include school 

breaks, illness, injury, or vacation. Do include school expulsions or out-of-school suspensions.
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 1=Yes

 0=No

POSTSECONDARY SECTION 

For the rest of the interview, the general term “college” refers to 2-year colleges or 4-year colleges. Specifically, the 

term “2-year college” will refer to community colleges or junior colleges. The term “4-year college” refers to 

colleges and universities.

Questions in this interview also use the phrase "schools that provide occupational training" to refer to other types 

of schools after high school, sometimes called technical institutes or trade schools. These schools usually offer 

programs that take less than 2 years to complete. Examples include culinary institutes and cosmetology schools.

The term “postsecondary institutions” includes all of these types of colleges, universities, and schools.

B01

When you were still in high school, did you apply to or register at any postsecondary institutions for enrollment 

after high school?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text: Some schools do not require an application for admission. They admit all students who register for 

classes.

B02

How many colleges or schools did you apply to or register at while you were still in high school?

B16

In what types of programs were you enrolled at [postsecondary institution]? (Select all that apply)

i. Bachelor’s degree program (usually a 4-year degree)

j. Associate’s degree program (usually a 2-year degree)

k. Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 years or 

less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

l. No specific program, but taking courses

1 = Yes

0 = No

Help text: 

Certificate or diploma program from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas 

usually take less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for 

direct entry to employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates 

in administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a 
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certification or license. Do NOT include certifications or licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or 

college degrees.

Associate’s degree program: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.

Bachelor’s degree program: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually 

requires at least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

No specific program, but taking courses: This means taking courses, but not formally enrolling in a degree or

certificate program of any sort.

B26

As things stand now, how far in school do you think you will actually get?

1=Less than high school completion

2=Complete a high school diploma, GED or alternative high school credential

3=Start, but not complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training

(usually takes 2 years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

4=Complete a certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training (usually takes 2 

years or less to complete, often leading to a license, such as cosmetology)

5=Start, but not complete an Associate’s degree (usually a 2-year degree)

6=Complete an Associate's degree (usually a 2-year degree)

7=Start, but not complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

8=Complete a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)

9=Start, but not complete a Master’s degree

10=Complete a Master’s degree

11=Start, but not complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

12=Complete a Ph.D., M.D., law degree, or other high level professional degree

13=You don’t know

Help text: 

Certificate or diploma from a school that provides occupational training: Certificates or diplomas usually take 

less than two years to complete and are usually designed to equip people with the skills needed for direct entry to 

employment or to earn a license such as a cosmetology license. Other examples include certificates in

administrative support, computer programming, and medical records. A certificate is different from a certification 

or license. Do NOT include certifications/licenses here. Do not include teaching certificates or college degrees.

Associate’s degree: An associate's degree normally requires at least 2, but less than 4 years, of full-time 

equivalent college work.

Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor's degree is usually awarded by a 4-year college or university and usually requires at 

least 4 years of full-time, college-level work. 

B27

Have you ever had a professional certification or a state or industry license? Do not include business licenses, such 

as a liquor license or vending license. 
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A professional certification or license shows you are qualified to perform a specific job and includes things like 

Licensed Realtor, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Teacher, or an IT certification.

1=Yes

0=No

B65

Just before you started your postsecondary education, what was the major or field of study you were most 

seriously considering?

Note: The major will be coded to 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programming codes using a coding 

application.

EMPLOYMENT SECTION

C05

Have you worked for pay, at any time between June 2012 and April 2015, including continuing in any jobs started 

before June 2012? Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study jobs as well as selfemployment.

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have held any paid jobs at any time between June 2012 and April 2015 (June 1, 2012-April 

30, 2015)

If you started a job before June 2012 and continued to work there after June 2012, please consider that job.

Please consider any jobs for pay, including: full-time and part-time employment, self-employment, work-study 

jobs, and paid internships. Do not report any employers where you have only applied for work or any employer 

where you have not accepted a paid position.

If you have had any paid jobs, including if you have been self-employed, or held work-study jobs or paid 

internships, answer "Yes."

If you have not worked or if all work was unpaid, such as unpaid internships, answer "No."

Federal work-study jobs are offered to undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to work parttime to earn money to help pay their education expenses. Students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid) in order to be considered for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Work-study jobs are often 

located on the campus of a student's school and may or may not be related to a student's course of study.
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An internship is any formal or informal program that provides on-the-job-experience for beginners in an 

occupation or profession. Many work in internships in order to learn new skills or to gain job experience. Consider 

only paid internships when answering this question.

C06

How many different jobs have you held between June 2012 and April 2015? Count promotions within the same 

job as one job. 

1=Yes

0=No

C07

Were you working for pay in April of this year? (Include paid internships, apprenticeships, co-op and work-study 

jobs as well as self-employment).

1=Yes

0=No

C09

What month and year did you start this job [working for yourself / at [employer]]?

C10

What month and year did you last work in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself]?

C11

Between [start date] and [April 2015/[end date]], were there any periods of one month or more during which you 

were not working in this job for [[employer name]/this employer/yourself], not counting time you took off for 

vacation or sick leave?

1=Yes

0=No

C13

Between June 2012 and April 2015, in what months did you work in this job for [[employer name]/this 

employer/yourself]?
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Help text:

Indicate all months that you worked for this employer between June 2012 and April 2015, not just the beginning 

and ending months.

If you worked any portion of a month for this employer, indicate that month.

Do not select a month if you did not or will not work for this employer during any part of that month.

If you worked for this employer for all months in the year, click the "Select/unselect all" button. If you worked for 

this employer for most months in the year you can click the "Select/unselect all" button and unselect any month 

you did not work for this employer by clicking on the box for that month once it is highlighted.

NOTE: Either this question or the series of questions above it (start and end dates, months not working) will be 

asked depending on a pending evaluation of timing efficiency and performance on mobile devices.

C35

According to the information you have provided, there were some months between June 2012 and April 2015 

when you were not working. Were you looking for work...

1=None of those months

2=Some of those months

3=All of those months?

C40

As things stand now, what is the job or occupation that you expect or plan to have at age 30? 

You don’t know

1=Yes

0=No

Not planning to work at age 30

1=Yes

0=No

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code the occupation to a 6-digit 2010 SOC code.

COMMUNITY SECTION 

D04

Are you a parent or guardian of any children including biological children, children you have adopted, stepchildren, and foster children?

1=Yes
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0=No 

D19

[Does/Do] [your child/any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you? / Did [your 

child/ any of your children] receive more than half of their financial support from you at any time between July 

2014 and June 2015?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Answer Yes if you have a child or children who received more than half of their financial support from 

you during the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), even if these children did not live with you. 

Foster children are not considered dependents for this question.

D21

[Not including [your spouse] [and] [this child/these [B14EDEP2] children], did anyone receive more than half of 

their financial support from you [at any time between July 2014 and June 2015]? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you provided more than half the financial support for anybody other than a spouse or children 

in the 2014-2015 school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), who lived in your household.

Examples of other dependents might include parents, grandparents, other relatives, or anybody else for whom 

you provided more than half their financial support. Foster children are not considered dependents for this 

question.

Do not include yourself, a spouse, or any children as other dependents in this question.

D28

What is the current marital status of your parents or guardians? If your parents are not married to each other and 

not living together, please answer this question about the marital status of the parent or guardian whom you lived 

with most during the past 12 months. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer about the 

parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months, or during the most recent year that you 

received support from a parent.)

 1=Married or remarried

 2=Unmarried and both parents living together

 3=Never married

 4=Divorced or separated

 5=Widowed

 6=None of the above - Both parents or guardians are deceased
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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Help Text

Indicate the option which best describes the current marital status of your parent(s) or guardian(s).

For example...

Indicate Married or remarried if your parents are married to each other, or if your parents are divorced, but the 

parent you lived with most is now remarried.

Indicate “Unmarried and both parents living together” if your parents have never been married to each other but 

are living together.

Indicate Never married if your parents were never married to each other, are living apart, and the parent you 

lived with most has never married anyone else.

Indicate Divorced or separated if your parents are divorced, and the parent you lived with most has not 

remarried.

Indicate Widowed if your parents were married, and your surviving parent is not remarried.

D29

What was your parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through 

December 31, 2014), prior to taxes and deductions?

Help text:

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D30

We understand that you may not be able to provide an exact number for your parents' or guardians' combined 

income.

However, it would be extremely helpful if you would indicate which of the following ranges best estimates your 

parents' or guardians' combined income in calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014), 

prior to taxes and deductions.

 1= $35,000 or less

 2=$35,001 to $75,000

 3=$75,001 to $95,000

 4=$95,001 to $115,000

 5=$115,001 and above

 6=Don't know

Help text:
Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I)

E-110

Estimate your parents’ or guardians’ combined gross income from the entire 2014 calendar year (January 1, 

2014-December 31, 2014). Do not include any income earned during 2015. Gross income is the full amount before 

taxes, Social Security, and other deductions are taken out.

If you are unsure what your parents’ or guardians’ income in 2014 was, provide your best guess.

D31

Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many people (for example, brothers or sisters or 

grandparents) have received more than half of their financial support from your parents or guardians [since July 

1, 2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]? 

(If your parents are divorced and the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months is remarried, tell us 

about the number of people that parent and the person he or she is married to, are supporting.)

Help text:

Indicate the number of people who have received more than half of their financial support from your parents (or 

guardians) [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year (July 

1, 2014-June 30, 2015).

Include brothers and sisters, grandparents, or anybody else to whom your parents provided more than half of 

their financial support. Do not include yourself or your parents in the total.

D32

Not including yourself or your parent(s) or guardian(s), how many of the people who receive more than half of 

their financial support from your parents or guardians have attended a postsecondary institution [since July 1, 

2014/ during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 school year]?

Help text:

Indicate the number of people supported financially by your parent(s) or guardian(s), who attended a 

postsecondary institution [since July 1, 2014/during the most recent term you attended school in the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015)].

Do not include yourself or your parents (or guardians) in the total.

A trade school offers instruction in skilled trades. It is not a high school.

D38

We want to ask about any student loans you may have taken out from the federal government or from a private 

lender. Have you ever taken out any student loans for your education? 

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

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Indicate whether you have ever taken out student loans. Include any federal, private, state, and school loans, and 

include money borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or 

money borrowed from family or friends.

Federal student loans, for example:

 Subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans (previously known as Stafford Loans)

 Perkins Loans

 Graduate and professional student PLUS Loans

Private loans

 Usually require a co-signer

 Have market interest rates based on credit history

 Home equity loans are not considered private loans

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

School loans

 Loans for which your school rather than the Federal government, state government, or another private 

organization is the lender

 Sometimes restricted to individuals meeting certain qualifications

You just indicated you have taken out student loans. 

We are interested in learning more about any private student loans you may have taken. 

Private student loans are borrowed from a private lender, such as a bank (or sometimes a state), and usually 

require a co-signer. In contrast, federal student loans, such as subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans 

(previously known as Stafford Loans), are from the federal government. We are only interested in private loans in 

the following questions.

Help text:

This is an informational screen only. (Click the "Next" button.)

D39

Have you ever taken out any private loans from a private lender for your education?
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(Private loans are borrowed from a private lender such as a bank or sometimes a state, usually require a co-signer, 

and have market interest rates based on credit history. Click here for examples of private loans.)

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:

Indicate whether you have ever taken out any private or alternative loans for your education. Include money 

borrowed for all schools you attended. Do not include Parent PLUS loans, grants or scholarships, or money 

borrowed from family or friends.

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders. (Some common characteristics of 

private loans are noted below.)

 With private loans there are no federal application forms to complete.

 Some students and parents use private loans as a supplement when their federal loans do not provide 

enough money.

 Private loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans.

Unlike federal student loans, private loans are credit based and therefore often require a cosigner if the student 

does not have an established credit history.

Some examples of commonly used private loans include:

 Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

 Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan

 Discover Student Loan

 Loans from credit unions

 Loans from states such as Minnesota’s SELF loan

States with private or alternative student loan programs include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, 

Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 

Carolina, Texas, and Vermont.

Home equity loans are not considered private loans.

D46

Not including scholarships from any school or state, have you ever receive any of the following for your 

postsecondary education? 

g. Veteran's education benefits?

h. Scholarships or tuition reimbursement from your employer[ or from your parents' or guardians' 

employer]?

i. Scholarships from a private organization such as a church, PTA, fraternity or sorority, or foundation?

1=Yes

0=No

Help text:
Supporting Statement Request for OMB Review (SF83I) Appendix E: Facsimiles for the HSLS:09 Second Follow-up 

E-113

Indicate whether you received benefits or scholarships in any of the specific categories listed for the 2014-2015 

school year (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015). Include benefits or scholarships you received for all schools you attended 

in 2014-2015.

The below types of aid may come to you directly or may be given to the financial aid office at your school.

Veteran's education benefits

 Post-9/11 GI Bill

 Montgomery GI Bill

 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs

Employer scholarships or tuition reimbursement

 Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement

 Employer scholarships as a benefit to employees and their dependents

Private organization scholarships, for example:

 UNCF

 National Merit Scholarship Corporation

 Corporate foundations (for example, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

 Civic and religious organizations

Do not report scholarships received from any state or schools, even if these schools are private institutions. 

Also do not include any student loan amounts here; there are separate questions that ask about student loans.

E29

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, thank you for your time and cooperation. We greatly appreciate 

your participation in this study.