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Australian Mobility Report Cards: Which Universities Admit the Most Disadvantaged Students?

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  • Andrew Leigh

Abstract

Tertiary education has a vital role to play in fostering social mobility. To assess the extent to which Australian universities enrol disadvantaged students, I use two measures of disadvantage: neighbourhood characteristics and individual characteristics, and compare higher education institutions. Neighbourhood metrics appear to be a poor proxy for individual disadvantage. Yet even so, some institutions stand out as more effective pathways for disadvantaged students. I conclude with some recommendations for improving data quality, education policy and evaluation in order to make Australian universities more effective engines of social mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Leigh, 2021. "Australian Mobility Report Cards: Which Universities Admit the Most Disadvantaged Students?," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 54(3), pages 331-342, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecr:v:54:y:2021:i:3:p:331-342
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8462.12430
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