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Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning

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  • Stephen J. Schmidt

Abstract

This paper studies one college's policy requiring minimum grades in core courses for completion of the economics major. The policy reduced majors by approximately 6 percent. Grades of C- and D (requiring students to retake the course) dropped substantially, while grades of C (the minimum acceptable grade) did not change, and grades from C+ to B rose. Difference-in-difference analysis suggests that the policy caused the grade shift. Because C grades did not change and grades as high as B increased, I conclude that the policy caused increased effort by students who were below and somewhat above the performance standard.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen J. Schmidt, 2021. "Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 111, pages 107-111, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:111:y:2021:p:107-11
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20211046
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    File URL: https://doi.org/10.3886/E136822V1
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    Cited by:

    1. Bleemer , Zachary & Mehta, Aashish, 2021. "College Major Restrictions and Student Stratification," University of California at Berkeley, Center for Studies in Higher Education qt513249vg, Center for Studies in Higher Education, UC Berkeley.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

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