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Who goes to graduate/professional school? The importance of economic fluctuations, undergraduate field, and ability

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  • Bedard, Kelly
  • Herman, Douglas A.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of fluctuations in entry-level labor market conditions on the graduate school enrollment decisions of newly minted undergraduate degree holders. Using repeated cross-section data for recently graduated science and engineering undergraduates from the National Survey of Recent College Graduates, and state-level unemployment rates to measure entry-level labor market conditions, we find that advanced degree enrollment patterns vary across the business cycle by undergraduate major, GPA, gender, and advanced degree type.

Suggested Citation

  • Bedard, Kelly & Herman, Douglas A., 2008. "Who goes to graduate/professional school? The importance of economic fluctuations, undergraduate field, and ability," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 197-210, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:27:y:2008:i:2:p:197-210
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