These tables release data from the 2023 National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG). The NSCG, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the U.S. National Science Foundation, is a repeated cross-sectional biennial survey that collects information on the nation’s college-educated workforce. This survey is a unique source for examining the relationship between degree field and occupation, as well as examining other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including work activities, salary, and demographic information.

The number of college graduates in the United States reached nearly 68.6 million in 2021, of which approximately 68 million had ever held a job, with nearly 52 million currently employed and 16 million not employed. Although the number of employed college graduates increased by 1.2 million (2.5%) between 2019 and 2021, the number of nonemployed college graduates increased by 2.5 million (17.9%). This large increase in nonemployment coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and signals important changes in the labor market for college graduates. This InfoBrief provides an overview of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the college-educated workforce, drawing on new data from the National Survey of College Graduates, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation.

These tables were compiled using data from the 2021 National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG). The NSCG, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation, is a repeated cross-sectional biennial survey that collects information on the nation’s college-educated workforce. This survey is a unique source for examining the relationship between degree field and occupation, as well as examining other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including work activities, salary, and demographic information.

Among the 50.5 million college graduates employed in all occupations across the United States in 2019, approximately 3.7 million (7%) were R&D workers—graduates who reported that their primary work activity was in basic research, applied research, or experimental development. Of approximately 7.5 million graduates in science and engineering (S&E) occupations, roughly 1 in 5 (23%) were R&D workers. Biological, agricultural, and other life scientists had the highest concentration of R&D workers among them (59%), followed by physical and related scientists (47%). Concentrations within these two groups of scientists were even higher for those with a doctorate degree. Data are from the National Survey of College Graduates, by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics.

The National Survey of College Graduates, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation, provides data on the characteristics of the nation's college graduates, with a focus on those in the science and engineering workforce. This survey is a unique source for examining the relationship between degree field and occupation, as well as examining other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including work activities, salary, and demographic information.

Public perceptions of science and technology in the United States affect many aspects of civic life. This report provides insights into public confidence in science, understanding of scientific research principles, and Americans� engagement with science through media, scientific activities, or children�s science activities. Confidence in science remains high among Americans: 89% of Americans believe scientists work to make life better for the average person. During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. adults tended to think more often about the impact of science in their everyday life than they had before the pandemic.

The National Survey of College Graduates, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation, provides data on the characteristics of the nation's college graduates, with a focus on those in the science and engineering workforce. This survey is a unique source for examining the relationship between degree field and occupation, as well as examining other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including work activities, salary, and demographic information.

The National Survey of College Graduates, conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation, provides data on the characteristics of the nation's college graduates, with a focus on those in the science and engineering workforce. This survey is a unique source for examining the relationship between degree field and occupation, as well as examining other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including work activities, salary, and demographic information.

This report presents data on conference proceedings and peer-reviewed science and engineering journals that reflect the expanding volume of research activity, the involvement and scientific capabilities of different countries, and the growing research ecosystem demonstrated through international collaborations. Publication output grew 5% over the past 4 years, led by China and other middle-income countries. Internationally collaborative research increased in 2020 with nearly one in four articles having coauthors from multiple countries.

This report examines R&D performed by U.S. higher education institutions. It discusses funding by source and S&E field for R&D activities and equipment and provides information on research space. It benchmarks the United States against other nations, and it looks at how academic R&D investments relate to investments in education and training of students and postdoctoral researchers. Academic R&D remains focused on basic research. Most of it is performed by a small percentage of U.S. higher education institutions. The federal government funds over half of academic R&D, although institutional support represents an increasing share.