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Racial and Gender Differences in the Returns to 2-Year and 4-Year Degrees

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  • Susan Averett
  • Sharon Dalessandro

Abstract

Using data from the 1993 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this paper documents differences in the rate of return to 2-year and 4-year degrees across race and gender. We find for each race and gender group that a baccalaureate degree is more valuable than an associate's degree, and the return to an associate's degree is greater than attending some college, which is in turn more valuable than simply finishing high school. Our results indicate that these effects are statistically different for black and white men. Finally, according to our research, one avenue of low-cost education for women and black men is to attend a 2-year school and then finish the degree at a 4-year institution.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan Averett & Sharon Dalessandro, 2001. "Racial and Gender Differences in the Returns to 2-Year and 4-Year Degrees," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(3), pages 281-292.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:9:y:2001:i:3:p:281-292
    DOI: 10.1080/09645290110086144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heckman, James J. & Loughlin, Colleen P., 2021. "Athletes Greatly Benefit from Participation in Sports at the College and Secondary Level," IZA Discussion Papers 14584, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Taylor Delaney, 2024. "2-Year or Not 2-Year? The Impact of Starting at Community College on Bachelor’s Degree Attainment," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 65(8), pages 1717-1746, December.
    3. Budig, Michelle J. & Lim, Misun & Hodges, Melissa J., 2021. "Racial and gender pay disparities: The role of education," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 98, pages 1-1.

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