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Differences by degree: Evidence of the net financial rates of return to undergraduate study for England and Wales

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  • Walker, Ian
  • Zhu, Yu

Abstract

This paper provides estimates of the impact of higher education qualifications on the earnings of graduates in the U.K. by subject studied. We use data from the recent U.K. Labour Force Surveys which provide a sufficiently large sample to consider the effects of the subject studied, class of first degree, and postgraduate qualifications. Ordinary Least Squares estimates show high average returns for women that does not differ by subject. For men, we find very large returns for Law, Economics and Management but not for other subjects. Degree class has large effects in all subjects suggesting the possibility of large returns to effort. Postgraduate study has large effects, independently of first degree class.

Suggested Citation

  • Walker, Ian & Zhu, Yu, 2011. "Differences by degree: Evidence of the net financial rates of return to undergraduate study for England and Wales," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 1177-1186.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:30:y:2011:i:6:p:1177-1186
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2011.01.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Rate of return; College premium;

    JEL classification:

    • I - Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I - Health, Education, and Welfare

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