This hurts my eyes to read it and my ears to say it, but the writer stands by [item #43](http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/04/05/50-amazing-numbers-about-todays-economy-.aspx?source=ihpsitth0000001) 

> 
> About the same number of people was awarded bachelor's degrees in 2010 as filed for personal bankruptcy (1.6 million).
> 
> 
> 

Is the subject in this sentence singular or plural?