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Are Returns to Schooling Concentrated Among the Most Able? A Semiparametric Analysis of the Ability-Earnings Relationships

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  • Tobias, Justin

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the ability-earnings relationships semiparametrically. I find evidence of nonlinearities in these relationships which vary across levels of schooling, and argue that ability-sorting into higher education creates problems for accurately identifying the return to schooling over the full ability support. Over an ability support which is ``common'' to those with and without a college education, we find that the college log wage premium is increasing for the more able, and this premium grew during the period 1984-1994 for individuals at all points in the ability distribution. Further, the growth of this wage premium appears to have followed a ``smoother'' path for high-ability individuals than individuals of lower ability.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias, Justin, 2001. "Are Returns to Schooling Concentrated Among the Most Able? A Semiparametric Analysis of the Ability-Earnings Relationships," Staff General Research Papers Archive 12016, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genres:12016
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General

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