More people are finishing high school. Among all ages, the United States is tops among the world's seven richest countries in terms of high school graduates. Overall, the likelihood of earning some degree after high school has risen since 1983, with more black and white high school graduates going on to college. Hispanic students, though, showed no steady rise. Part-time professors made up 40 percent of college faculties in 1998, gaining flexibility for schools but at a risk of less availability to students.
Women earn more than half the country's bachelor's degrees.
Adult learning of all kinds was on the upswing in the 1990s, although not necessarily for college degrees. Many adults were taking courses related to work. The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.