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The Determinants of Educational Attainment, University Drop-out and Time-to-Degree. A focus on Italy

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  • Carmen Aina

Abstract

In this paper we present important empirical evidence regarding the main factors that influence educational achievement at large. We then show the main issues which characterize the Italian university system, namely high drop-out rates and elapsed time to degree. With regard to these problems we survey the main microeconomic contributions. The results of most analyses indicate that parental background, financial conditions, individual’s characteristics and unemployment rates are amongst the main determinants of university completion.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen Aina, 2010. "The Determinants of Educational Attainment, University Drop-out and Time-to-Degree. A focus on Italy," Working Papers 132, SEMEQ Department - Faculty of Economics - University of Eastern Piedmont.
    • Handle: RePEc:upo:upopwp:132
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    File URL: http://semeq.unipmn.it/files/WorkingPaper20.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Aina, Carmen & Pastore, Francesco, 2012. "Delayed Graduation and Overeducation: A Test of the Human Capital Model versus the Screening Hypothesis," IZA Discussion Papers 6413, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    educational attainment; drop-out; time-to-degree; undergraduate performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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