Taking advantage of unique longitudinal data, we provide the first characterization of what college students believe at … of why students hold the initial beliefs about majors that they do. The data collection and analysis are based directly … that students enter school quite optimistic about obtaining a science degree, but that relatively few students end up …

best viewed as the end result of a learning process. We find that students enter college as open to a major in math or … science as to any other major group, but that a large number of students move away from math and science after realizing that … because students realize that their ability in math/science is lower than expected rather than because students realize that …

, over half of all low-income borrowers manage to make timely payments. We demonstrate that other financial resources in the … advocated for a move to an income-based repayment system. Under such a system, many low-income borrowers in good-standing (due … payment among those that are currently delinquent or in default since their income levels are so low. Specifically, we show …

repayment problems and borrower income. We also identify an important role for student debt, educational attainment, and beliefs … about repayment. The analysis further reveals the importance of intergenerational relationships for repayment. Children … whose parents are able and willing to financially help them out in times of economic stress are much less likely to …