NLS Custom Weights

The NLS studies are complex longitudinal surveys comprised of multiple nationally representative samples. Because of this complexity the NLS staff creates a set of cross-sectional weights for each survey round. Using these weights provides a simple method for users to correct the raw data for the complex survey design in a particular year. If you are using data from just one survey the weight series provides an accurate adjustment.

However, if you are using data from multiple survey years no single set of survey weights provides an accurate adjustment. In this case you can use the pages linked below to create a custom set of survey weights which adjust both for the complex survey design and for using data from multiple years. For the cohort of interest, you will simply select the years that you are using for your research, click "download," and receive a zip file containing an ASCII data file with your weights. For additional information, click here.