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The Role of University Characteristics in Determining Post-Graduation Outcomes: Panel Evidence from Three Canadian Cohorts

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  • Julian Betts
  • Christopher Ferrall
  • Ross Finnie

Abstract

Using three cohorts of the National Graduates Survey, we study earnings five years after graduation from Canadian bachelor's programs. Evidence is found of significant university-specific effects on earnings. Changes in earnings and university characteristics across cohort are correlated. Increased undergraduate enrolment is associated with lower earnings, suggesting crowding out in educational quality. For men, but not women, increases in the professor-student ratio are associated with meaningful gains in earnings. When student major is excluded, since it may be endogenous to university, the effect of university characteristics is much larger. University characteristics are not strongly related to post-graduation employment probabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Betts & Christopher Ferrall & Ross Finnie, 2013. "The Role of University Characteristics in Determining Post-Graduation Outcomes: Panel Evidence from Three Canadian Cohorts," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 39(s1), pages 81-106, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpp:issued:v:39:y:2013:i:s1:p:81-106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Veronica Minaya & Judith Scott-Clayton, 2018. "Labor Market Outcomes and Postsecondary Accountability: Are Imperfect Metrics Better Than None?," NBER Chapters, in: Productivity in Higher Education, pages 67-104, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Veronica Minaya & Judith Scott-Clayton, 2016. "Labor Market Outcomes and Postsecondary Accountability: Are Imperfect Metrics Better than None?," NBER Working Papers 22880, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Eleanor Wiske Dillon & Jeffrey Andrew Smith, 2020. "The Consequences of Academic Match between Students and Colleges," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 55(3), pages 767-808.

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