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Preference-Choice Mismatch and University Dropout

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  • Fouarge, Didier

    (ROA, Maastricht University)

  • Heß, Pascal

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg)

Abstract

Drawing on data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), we show that students who select majors that do not match their occupational preferences prior to enrolling in university are more likely to drop out than those who do choose majors that match their occupational preferences. Our findings suggest that this gap cannot be explained by institutional obstacles to entering a major. Instead, the primary mechanisms behind this phenomenon are indecisiveness and preference changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Fouarge, Didier & Heß, Pascal, 2023. "Preference-Choice Mismatch and University Dropout," IZA Discussion Papers 16215, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16215
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dropout; preferences; mismatch; tertiary education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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