A study analyzed the prior knowledge state of two university populations: students at the Open University (OU) of the Netherlands and students at the University of Limburg (UL). Analysis of the prior knowledge state was based on an extensive analysis of the literature in relation to theories, models, and practice-based strategies about the structure of knowledge. A set of four dimensions--cognitive psychological, educational psychological, psychometrical, and content based--that help to construct knowledge profiles was defined. The dimensions were used to analyze the knowledge profiles of the two populations. A knowledge state test that covered the whole domain of economics in the course "Economics and Money" was administered to 626 students; 91 UL students were randomly selected to be compared with 91 OU students. The overall economics score was not significantly different between the two populations. This score was elaborated upon by grouping items along knowledge profile dimensions. After outlining the theoretical base of these dimensions, researchers focused on the application of these dimensions to compare the knowledge profiles of the two populations. Up to 7 of the 10 knowledge profile dimensions proved to be relevant. The content and epistemological dimensions were especially helpful to describe differences. (Contains 28 references.) (YLB)