This study looks for evidence of an adulthood trajectory of perceived control over one’s own life, and education’s role in shaping it. Vectors from a 1995–2001 U.S. survey of adults imply a much steeper trajectory than did previous cross‐sectional studies, peaking in late middle age rather than early adulthood. They also show a trend toward larger increases in younger cohorts. Education influences the trajectory, particularly the level at which it begins. Estimates show an increase of .60 standard deviations with a four‐year increase in education. The sense of control also increases more outside of school the higher the level of education.