How Your Data Are Used

For many years, the NLSY have helped researchers, policymakers, and the public better understand important social and economic issues. NLSY findings have become some of the most widely used data in the social sciences.

Because 2027 will be the first time data are collected for the NLSY27, there are no findings to share at this time. However, here are a few examples of how data from previous years of the NLSY have been used:

• Work and Job Training: NLSY data have informed policymakers about the costs and benefits of having a job while also in school. NLSY data have also helped policymakers understand how job changes affect earnings and the value of different job training programs.
• Economic Issues: Researchers have used NLSY data to find out what influences whether young people later struggle with money or do well financially.
• Health: The NLSY has been used to study how young people’s health behaviors affect their health as adults. Seeing these effects has allowed policymakers to create programs to support youth.

To see how data from previous years of the NLSY have been used, browse the NLS Annotated Bibliography. You will find studies on topics such as work experience, earnings, education and training, health, family, and much more.

Last modified date: March 25, 2026