Highest level of schooling: Refers to the highest grade or year of elementary or secondary (high) school attended, or to the highest year of university or other non-university education completed. University education is considered to be a higher level of schooling than other non-university education. Also, the attainment of a degree, certificate or diploma is considered to be at a higher level than years completed or attended without an educational qualification.

Earnings (employment income): Refers to total income received by persons 15 years of age and over during calendar year 2000 as wages and salaries, net income from a non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice, and/or net farm self-employment income.

High school graduation certificate and/or some postsecondary: Includes persons who have attended courses at postsecondary institutions and who may or may not have a high school graduation certificate. Excludes persons with a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. Since 1981, "postsecondary" refers to years of schooling completed at university or at institutions other than a university, a secondary (high) school or an elementary school. Examples of postsecondary institutions include community colleges, institutes of technology, CEGEPs, private trade schools, private business colleges and schools of nursing.