Results of the American Institute of Physics' 1984-1985 survey of physics and astronomy bachelor's degree recipients are examined. The information was obtained from individual degree recipients with a focus on their plans after the baccalaureate programs. Highlights of the findings are as follows: the proportion of women among physics bachelors further increased; almost 90% of the potential graduate physics students had been assured of their sources of support; and starting salaries reported by 1985 physics graduates rose by 6% to $1,990 per month; in 1975 fewer than one-third of new graduates chose civilian employment while by 1985 the proportion rose to 43%, and corresponding decreases occur in graduate school plans. Data are included on: characteristics of new physics bachelors and of new astronomy bachelors, postbaccalaureate plans of U.S. and foreign minorities among the 1985 physics bachelors; selected characteristics of minority physics bachelors; changes in employment for new physics bachelors, 1975-1985; and trends in plans after graduating for successive graduating classes of physics bachelors during 1975-1985 and of astronomy bachelors during 1977-1985. (SW)