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Quantile Treatment Effects of College Quality on Earnings

Author

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  • Rodney J. Andrews
  • Jing Li
  • Michael F. Lovenheim

Abstract

We use administrative data from Texas to estimate how graduating from a state flagship or a community college relative to a nonflagship university affects the distribution of earnings. We control for the selection of students across sectors using a rich set of observable ability and background characteristics and find evidence of substantial heterogeneity in the returns to quality. Returns increase with earnings among UT–Austin graduates but decline among Texas A&M graduates. For community colleges, returns are negative for lower earners but go to zero for higher earners. Our estimates also point to differences in the distribution of returns by race/ethnicity.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodney J. Andrews & Jing Li & Michael F. Lovenheim, 2016. "Quantile Treatment Effects of College Quality on Earnings," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 51(1), pages 200-238.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:51:y:2016:i:1:p:200-238
    Note: DOI: 10.3368/jhr.51.1.200
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