In the 2008 ACS file the EDUC 12th grade appears to include the 46,493 people coded in EDUCD as “12th grade, no diploma.” Since EDUC is described as being completed as opposed to just attended, what is the difference between completing 12th grade and getting a diploma?
The difference is best understood literally as people who have completed 12th grade, but for some reason did not earn a diploma. This could be the case for a number of reasons. The specific reason is not specified, so it is up to you how you want to handle these cases. The questionnaire text shows the question and response categories associated with this variable.
Got it. Thanks!