Data from two studies of 30 year olds were compared on the importance ascribed to and satisfaction derived from 15 life components. The relative frequency with which Carter's (1983) research population of graduate students indicated that life components were important or were sources of satisfaction were compared through critical ratios with corresponding percentages in a national sample of 30 year olds studied by Flanagan (1978, 1979). Weighted and unweighted satisfaction scores were contrasted in examining sex and marital status differences in graduate student quality of life. A principal components analysis of weighted satisfaction scores yielded five orthogonal factors among the 15 life components. Quality of life subscales for active use of leisure time, personal development and fulfillment, personal fulfillment through others, family well being, and close friends and relatives revealed different patterns through which single, married, and divorced men and women students attained their life quality. It is suggested that quality of life in young adults may be viewed as multidimensional rather than unidimensional. Additional findings and a literature review are included. (Author/SW)