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Where versus what: college value-added and returns to field of study in further education

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  • Aucejo, Esteban M.
  • Hupkau, Claudia
  • Ruiz-Valenzuela, Jenifer

Abstract

We use administrative records on educational and labor market trajectories to estimate the value-added of English further education colleges in terms of educational and labor market outcomes and earnings returns to different fields of study taught at these colleges. We find that dispersion in college value-added in terms of labor market outcomes is moderate compared to differences in earnings returns across fields of study. We further show that value-added in labor market outcomes is correlated with value-added in academic outcomes. We conclude that in English further education, what one studies tends to matter more than where one does so.

Suggested Citation

  • Aucejo, Esteban M. & Hupkau, Claudia & Ruiz-Valenzuela, Jenifer, 2025. "Where versus what: college value-added and returns to field of study in further education," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118067, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:118067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets

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