About the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS)
The NLS, sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, are nationally representative surveys that follow the same sample of individuals from specific birth cohorts over time. The surveys collect data on labor market activity, schooling, fertility, program participation, health, and much, much more. Choose a cohort below to learn more.
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Men and women born in the years 1980-84
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Men and women born in the years 1957-64
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Biological children of women in the NLSY79
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Mature women born in the years 1922-37 and young women born in the years 1943-53.
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Older men born in the years 1906-21 and young men born in the years 1941-52.
Who Are You?
Please indicate your NLS experience so we can direct you to a page that focuses on your needs:
Need Help Using NLS Data?
Explore the Tutorials
Learn how to approach research projects, search for and extract data, and then program with NLS data.
Introduction to the Investigator
Learn how to use the online NLS data search and extraction site to create your own data sets.
NLS Learning Opportunities
Check out this page for upcoming NLS workshops and information about conferences where NLS User Services staff will be available to answer your NLS questions.
Latest Information from the NLS
To receive NLS email and updates subscribe here.
Now available:
- Updated NLSY79 data release including new AFQT items, z scores and percentiles. To find these items in Investigator, search Area of Interest ASVAB.
- Seven Round 25 (2012) variables pertaining to respondents' childhood health and adversity. View the NLSY79 Errata page for further information.
- Data from round 15 of the NLSY97
- Current NLSY79 data release includes beta version of new Employer History roster
Visit NLS Investigator to explore and download data.
The latest issue of NLS News is available here. Highlights include:
- Latest NLSY97 Geocode Release Available
- Increased Interest in Using NLS Data in the Classroom
- NLS-Related Dissertations Now Total 1,000 plus