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The quality of higher education and overeducation: Where should higher education funding go?

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  • Liu, Yunbo
  • Yin, Lu
  • Guo, Jianru

Abstract

Policymakers and the public are increasingly concerned about overeducation, and how it relates to the investment of resources in higher education. This study uses Chinese data to explore the determinants of overeducation and wage effects of overeducation at different levels of quality in higher education. Empirical results suggest two factors that significantly influence the incidence of overeducation among graduating students: the practicality of curriculum and student rule-based input. Results from wage equation suggest that overeducated individuals with lower quality of higher education incur greater wage penalties. This study can inform the Chinese government's allocation of financial investments in higher education.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Yunbo & Yin, Lu & Guo, Jianru, 2021. "The quality of higher education and overeducation: Where should higher education funding go?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:41:y:2021:i:c:s154461232031638x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2020.101824
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    2. Jie Zhang & Guijuan Feng & Shixuan Ying & Zhijun Chen & Yidan Sun, 2025. "Efficiency of Educational Resources Investment: Does Financial Expenditure Matter?," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(6), pages 1556-1573, May.
    3. Jones, Melanie & Kaya, Ezgi & Nan, Jiarui, 2025. "Overeducation, earnings and job satisfaction among graduates in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
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    5. Tran, Trung & Thanh, Hai Trinh & Van Le, Dao & Phuong, Thao Trinh Thi & Lan, Phuong Nguyen, 2022. "Does government financial support decrease the inefficiency of public universities? A decomposition approach," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 47(PA).

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