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Wage earning differentials by field of study: Evidence from Vietnamese university graduates

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  • Tran, Tuyen Quang
  • Van Vu, Huong

Abstract

Using data from the 2018 Labor Force Survey, this paper analyzes wage differentials by field of study among Vietnamese university graduates. In contrast to previous findings, we find that many fields, even more technically and quantitatively oriented disciplines, such as engineering, science/math/computer science and business/finance, afford lower earnings than do the arts/humanities disciplines. The differences are statistically significant and, in many cases, large, even after controlling for other individual and regional characteristics. Also, the differences are greater among female than among male graduates. Our results shed light on the value of various types of human capital represented by the various disciplines. Such findings offer useful policy implications for policymakers and educational managers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tran, Tuyen Quang & Van Vu, Huong, 2020. "Wage earning differentials by field of study: Evidence from Vietnamese university graduates," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:78:y:2020:i:c:s0738059320304302
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102271
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    Cited by:

    1. Tran, Tuyen Quang & Bich Thi Vu, Ngoc & Van Vu, Huong, 2023. "Does job mismatch affect wage earnings among business and management graduates in Vietnam?," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    2. Mamiko Takeuchi, 2021. "Determinants of Earnings and Gender Earnings Gaps among Highly Educated Workers within Major Cities in Asian Countries," Asian Economic Journal, East Asian Economic Association, vol. 35(2), pages 166-186, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Disciplines; wage; earnings; field of study; majors; returns; switching endogenous regression;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods
    • E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
    • I - Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I - Health, Education, and Welfare

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