In 1996, follow-up questionnaires were mailed to a racially and ethnically stratified sample of 328 Coloradans who had earned General Educational Development (GED) diplomas in October-December 1995. Although responses were received from 235 (70%) of those surveyed, the response rates for African-Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders were too low for their responses to be examined separately. Two-thirds of the respondents were currently working toward college degrees, and one-third were receiving on-the-job training. Nearly half the respondents credited their GED with helping them obtain paying jobs, obtain better jobs, be promoted, or perform their jobs better. Since obtaining their GED, two-fifths of the respondents enjoyed better personal finances, two-fifths spent more time keeping up with current events, one-fifth obtained library cards for themselves or a child and used libraries more frequently, one-fifth registered to vote, and one-fifth began attending or attended more local community events. Health and psychological benefits credited to the GED included the following: ability to set more realistic goals, greater satisfaction with life, increased openness to change, improved self-understanding and problem-solving ability, better diet and exercise habits, and increased rates of undergoing medical and dental checkups. The survey instrument is appended. The bibliography lists 16 references. (MN)