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Virtual Classrooms: How Online College Courses Affect Student Success

Author

Listed:
  • Eric P. Bettinger
  • Lindsay Fox
  • Susanna Loeb
  • Eric S. Taylor

Abstract

Online college courses are a rapidly expanding feature of higher education, yet little research identifies their effects relative to traditional in-person classes. Using an instrumental variables approach, we find that taking a course online, instead of in-person, reduces student success and progress in college. Grades are lower both for the course taken online and in future courses. Students are less likely to remain enrolled at the university. These estimates are local average treatment effects for students with access to both online and in-person options; for other students, online classes may be the only option for accessing college-level courses.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric P. Bettinger & Lindsay Fox & Susanna Loeb & Eric S. Taylor, 2017. "Virtual Classrooms: How Online College Courses Affect Student Success," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(9), pages 2855-2875, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:107:y:2017:i:9:p:2855-75
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.20151193
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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education

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