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.

Who Are You?

Please indicate your NLS experience so we can direct you to a page that focuses on your needs:

Need Help Understanding How To Use 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.

Latest Information from the NLS

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Now available: Data from round 14 of the NLSY97 and round 24 of the NLSY79. Visit NLS Investigator to explore and download data.

 

The latest issue of NLS News is available here. Highlights include:

  • obesity data in the NLS
  • philanthropy variables in the NLSY79
  • NLS job satisfaction variables