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Geographical constraints and educational attainment

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  • Falch, Torberg
  • Lujala, Päivi
  • Strøm, Bjarne

Abstract

This paper estimates the impact of geographical proximity to upper secondary schools on graduation propensity. It uses detailed information on real travel time between students' homes and schools in Norway and on the composition of study programs at each school. We find that reduced travel time has a positive effect on graduation. The result is robust to a number of specifications, including IV-models and differences-in-differences models. The effect seems to be strongest for students with mediocre prior academic achievement, which suggests that mainly students at the margin of graduation are affected by geographical constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Falch, Torberg & Lujala, Päivi & Strøm, Bjarne, 2013. "Geographical constraints and educational attainment," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 164-176.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:regeco:v:43:y:2013:i:1:p:164-176
    DOI: 10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2012.06.007
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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