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The Returns to College Education — An Analysis with College-Level Data

Author

Listed:
  • Philip R P Coelho

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

  • Tung Liu

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

Abstract

We use between-group estimations to examine returns to college education with data from over 500 schools utilizing variables representing characteristics for individuals, institutions, and states. The results indicate that college majors, per capita income of the state where the school is located, and intuitional characteristics such as acceptance rates and faculty salaries are significant and important determinants of post-graduation incomes. In addition, we find private school graduates earn modestly higher salaries than those of public schools. Given the substantial extra costs of private schools, this implies that some benefits of private schooling are not captured in post-graduation incomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip R P Coelho & Tung Liu, 2017. "The Returns to College Education — An Analysis with College-Level Data," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 43(4), pages 604-620, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:43:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1057_eej.2015.44
    DOI: 10.1057/eej.2015.44
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Kexin, 2023. "The long-term impact of higher education: Evidence from the Gaokao reinstatement in China," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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