This study investigated the adult adjustment of randomly selected stud
ents with behavioral disorders one and three years after they exited h
igh school. Eighty-nine students (66% of those selected) were intervie
wed one year out of high school; 82 were interviewed again three years
out of high school. Results for individuals three years out of school
are reported in terms of: (a) general status information (e.g, marita
l status, living arrangements, sources of financial assistance, leisur
e activities); (b) employment information (e.g, percent employed, clas
sification of jobs, wages, fringe benefits); and (c) ''successful'' ad
ult adjustment relative to criteria presented in this article. Results
are compared by graduation status (graduates vs. dropouts) and by yea
r out of school (1 vs. 3). Results are discussed in relation to their
implications for school programming and transition planning.