Data based on the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) for the years 1970-71 through 1975-76 are presented that focus on trends in associate degrees and other formal awards below the baccalaureate. Emphasis is placed on comparable data for curriculum categories and divisions, types of institutional units, and classification of awards. The information is useful in forecasting employment opportunities, particularly in relation to the educational and employment status of women, whose enrollments in associate degree programs have been increasing. Degrees and awards requiring less than two years of work are not included, nor are data from non-traditional and non-degree-granting institutions. Highlights include the following: (1) the number of sub-baccalaureate degrees awarded increased by 54.9% in the six-year period studied; (2) although men still outnumbered women among degree recipients, women's representation increased from 42.8% to 46.2% over the six-year period; (3) there was a sharp increase to 48.5% in the number of women receiving degrees in science/engineering curriculums; (4) there was a marked shift for both men and women away from the arts and sciences and general programs toward occupational programs; and (5) the greatest proportion of sub-baccalaureate degrees were earned at two-year public institutions, which showed a 61.2% increase in awards since 1970-71. (MB)