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The Effect of Classmate Characteristics on Post-secondary Outcomes: Evidence from the Add Health

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Listed:
  • Robert Bifulco
  • Jason M. Fletcher
  • Stephen L. Ross

Abstract

This paper uses a within-school/across-cohort design to present new evidence of the effects of high school classmate characteristics on a wide range of post-secondary outcomes. We find that increases in the percent of classmates with college-educated mothers decreases the likelihood of dropping out and increases the likelihood of attending college, despite showing no impact on a range of in-school achievement, attitudes, and behaviors. The percent of students from disadvantaged minority groups does not show any effects on post-secondary outcomes, but is associated with students reporting less caring student-teacher relationships and increased prevalence of some undesirable student behaviors during high school. (JEL I21, J13, J15)

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Bifulco & Jason M. Fletcher & Stephen L. Ross, 2011. "The Effect of Classmate Characteristics on Post-secondary Outcomes: Evidence from the Add Health," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 3(1), pages 25-53, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:3:y:2011:i:1:p:25-53
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.3.1.25
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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    1. The Effect of Classmate Characteristics on Post-secondary Outcomes: Evidence from the Add Health (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 2011) in ReplicationWiki

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