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Why Is Math Cheaper than English? Understanding Cost Differences in Higher Education

Author

Listed:
  • Steven W. Hemelt
  • Kevin M. Stange
  • Fernando Furquim
  • Andrew Simon
  • John E. Sawyer

Abstract

This paper establishes five new facts about instructional costs in higher education using department-level data from a broad range of institutions. Costs vary widely across fields, ranging from electrical engineering (90% higher than English) to math (25% lower). This pattern is largely explained by differences in class size and faculty pay. Some STEM fields experienced steep declines in expenditures over the past 17 years, while others saw increases. Changes in class size and teaching loads alongside a shift toward contingent faculty explain these trends. Finally, the association between online instruction and instructional costs is statistically indistinguishable from zero.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven W. Hemelt & Kevin M. Stange & Fernando Furquim & Andrew Simon & John E. Sawyer, 2021. "Why Is Math Cheaper than English? Understanding Cost Differences in Higher Education," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(2), pages 397-435.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/709535
    DOI: 10.1086/709535
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    Cited by:

    1. Schanzenbach, Diane W. & Turner, Sarah, 2022. "Limited supply and lagging enrollment: Production technologies and enrollment changes at community colleges during the pandemic," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    2. Avery Calkins & Ariel J. Binder & Dana Shaat & Brenden Timpe, 2023. "When Sarah Meets Lawrence: The Effects of Coeducation on Women's College Major Choices," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 1-34, July.
    3. Hemelt, Steven W. & Hershbein, Brad & Martin, Shawn & Stange, Kevin M., 2023. "College majors and skills: Evidence from the universe of online job ads," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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