Educational expectation trajectories and attainment in the transition to adulthood

► We examine change and stability in bachelor's degree expectations in young adulthood. ► We evaluate the role of stable expectations in degree attainment. ► Young people hold onto college expectations even into the late 20s. ► Stable expectations increase attainment, both in the early and late 20s. ► Stable expectations substantially mediate the effect of parental SES on attainment.