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,
Here's a factsheet on comparing ACS and CPS educational attainment data: https://www.census.gov/topics/education/educational-attainment/guidance/factsheet-acs-cps.html(By the way, I found this through the ACS Subject Definitions document, which is invaluable and should be pinned to the top of this forum: https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/tech_docs/subject_definitions/2021_ACSSubjectDefinitions.pdf)
Read both and I don't think answered the question. I will try tonight or tomorrow to list data and fields related to the gap between 18-25 and 25 plus.
I see a 5% diff with Population 25 years and over!! Bachelor's degree or higher by including 18-24. If your looking at BA only that goes to around 10%. Table S1501.
If of course you actually looking at 18+ then these numbers won't help you.
That's a fair difference although I was expecting it to be higher. So I think using the 25 or higher for Ed is clearly not a good measure. Worth a deeper dive at some point in the future because I think the difference should be larger.