The Graduate Information Survey instrument was designed to gather a variety of biographic and demographic data, as well as data on the students' college experiences, career plans, and attitudes. Data are presented on the characteristics of 1972 graduates from public and private universities. Seventeen four-year colleges and universities provided lists of 1972 baccalaureate degree recipients. From these lists a stratified random sample of 1588 graduates was drawn; stratification involved selecting a representative sample of nonresident students appropriate to individual institutional enrollments. Approximately 48 percent of the questionnaires were returned and usable. Statistical data are provided: survey respondents by major, age, and sex; factors influencing decisions to attend college; time for degree completion; transfers; learning options; occupational aspirations; relationships between educational program and employment. The vast majority of graduates believe their most important objective in going to college was to continue to learn; the second, to satisfy job requirements. More than 50 percent felt they could not yet judge whether their undergraduate program prepared them for employment. (LBH)