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The Returns to Flexible Postsecondary Education: The Effect of Delaying School

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Ferrer

    (Department of Economics, University of Waterloo)

  • Alicia Menendez

    (Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago)

Abstract

We compare the returns to education between graduates of post secondary institutions who delayed their tertiary education for some time and those that proceeded with no delays. Using a unique survey that collects information on a representative cohort of graduates, we are able to estimate the effects of delaying school among successful graduates abstracting from specific macroeconomic conditions at the time of graduation. Our results show that graduates that delayed their education enjoy a premium relative to graduates that did not, even after considering other factors such as experience or labor market connections. These estimates are robust to the possibility of selection in the decision to delay school.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Ferrer & Alicia Menendez, 2014. "The Returns to Flexible Postsecondary Education: The Effect of Delaying School," Working Papers 1402, University of Waterloo, Department of Economics, revised Mar 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:wat:wpaper:1402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dr Richard Dorsett & Dr Silvia Lui & Dr Martin Weale, 2010. "Economic Benefits of Lifelong Learning," National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) Discussion Papers 352, National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
    2. Jacob Greenspon, 2017. "The Gap Year: An Overview of the Issues," CSLS Research Reports 2017-01, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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