The article is devoted to the discussion of a collective monograph based on the results of long - term (21 years) sociological monitoring of Sverdlovsk regions students. The role of the book in the development of youth sociology and education sociology is analyzed alongside with the opportunities for managerial decision - making at the university and regional level. The most imporan outcomes of the monitoring are revealed concerning dynamics of the basic sociological and cultural characteristics of students: social status, professional self - determination, values, civil culture, student’s pastime.