Time-to-Degree: Students' Abilities, University Characteristics or What Else? Evidence from Italy

We use a representative sample of Italian graduates drawn from the Consorzio AlmaLaurea to assess the impact of individuals and family characteristics, university inputs and the labour market on the time taken to attain a degree. Our estimates highlight that all these dimensions drive the outcome analysed. Especially a weakening labour market causes such worsening academic performance. Our results suggest the need for a comprehensive policy intervention to increase the number of students graduating within the minimum period.