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The effects of over-education on earnings in the graduate labour market

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  • Dolton, Peter J.
  • Silles, Mary A.

Abstract

This paper uses a new survey of graduates from one large civil university in the UK to examine the determinants of over-education and its subsequent impact on labour market earnings. Multiple measurements of over-education were collected to assess the effect of measurement error on the estimated pay penalty associated with over-education. Panel estimates suggest that the upward bias in standard OLS estimates is offset by an equal downward bias resulting from measurement error.

Suggested Citation

  • Dolton, Peter J. & Silles, Mary A., 2008. "The effects of over-education on earnings in the graduate labour market," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 125-139, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:27:y:2008:i:2:p:125-139
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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