This article investigates the effects of large groups of first-year students on individual college performance. The study is based on administrative micro-level data from the universe of higher education institutions in Germany. The empirical strategy exploits shocks in undergraduate enrollment...

Using administrative data on all higher education institutions in Mexico, we estimate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on new entry, enrollment, and, graduation outcome. The analysis is conducted by area of study and gender. We explore heterogeneous effects by delivery format, funding source,...

Affirmative action in higher education can lead to mismatch, where students admitted through preferential treatment struggle academically due to inadequate preparation before college. Although some students may face initial challenges, by providing access to quality education for talented...

This study examines the long-term effect of a pandemic on a crucial human capital decision, namely college major choice. Using China’s 2008–2016 major-level National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) entry grades, we find that the 2003 SARS had a substantial deterrent effect on the...

While the wage effects of vocational versus academic secondary education are well documented, there is little evidence on how polytechnics degrees pay off compared to university degrees. In this paper, we estimate the polytechnic degree wage effect in China, drawing on an unprecedented higher...

Using a rich set of administrative data, we study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transition to tertiary education for students with disabilities in Chile. Enrollment rates in primary and secondary education in Chile differ by less than 2 percentage points for students with or without...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all segments of the population, including college students in higher education institutions. This paper examines the survey of 400 undergraduate students at the largest public university in Thailand between March and June 2021 to identify the causal impacts of...

Affirmative action in higher education can lead to mismatch, where students admitted through preferential treatment struggle academically due to inadequate preparation before college. Although some students may face initial challenges, by providing access to quality education for talented...

In light of the recent bans on affirmative action in higher education, this paper provides new evidence on the effects of alternative admissions policies on the persistence and college completion of minority students. I find that the change from affirmative action to the Top 10% Plan in Texas...