Hi everyone!
Has anybody looked into this apparent statistically significant difference between the two surveys on educational attainment data?
2020 CPS counts a total of 113381 thousand 18+ civilian noninstitutionalized population with at least an associates degree, out of a total 252117, so ~45% in share.
Estimate for the same scope using 2020 5-years ACS PUMS is 97417 out of 253296, or ~38%.
The discrepancy is even more pronounced for only doctoral degree holders, where CPS estimates 4.7M vs ACS 3.2M, a nearly 50% higher number for the former.
Checking both survey's questionnaires, the question for educational attainment is essentially identical and reasonably unambiguous. What would be some factors leading to this rather stark discrepancy?
Really appreciate it if anyone could shed some light for me!
Sincerely,
Michael
Best,
I'm new, but it seems that the default for ACS is 25 years or older (not always specified in field names). I have no idea why they do this and its possible to get 18-plus ed data from the ACS. So check to make sure the ACS field is not 25 Plus. I'd like to do a breakout in ACS with the 18-24 gap and assuming there is a significant gap send an email asking why use the 25 and above. 18 is the mean grad age add 4 years and get 22, lots of AP courses in HS and some finish in 3 years (it's way cheaper).
If your pulling directly (not TidyCensus) let me know the table and field and I'll give you what I've found for Ed.