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The Value of Choice

Author

Listed:
  • Dana J. Smith1, Huiyi Chen2, and Molly L. Brewer1

    (College of the Holy Cross, James Madison University)

Abstract

Following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, many U.S. states adopted new abortion restrictions. Using IPEDS data and a difference-in-differences design comparing institutions in states that adopted bans with institutions in states that did not, we examine student enrollment, institutional responses, and faculty hiring. We find do not find evidence of average changes in women’s shares of undergraduate applicants or entering students. However, declines in women’s applicant, graduate enrollment,and tenure-track hiring shares are evident at more selective institutions compared to less selective schools,consistent with greater responsiveness among groups with broader choice sets. Evidence of compensating admissions practices or financial aid responses on the institution side is limited. Overall, the clearest changes in gender composition are concentrated in more selective markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Dana J. Smith1, Huiyi Chen2, and Molly L. Brewer1, 2026. "The Value of Choice," Working Papers 2603, College of the Holy Cross, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hcx:wpaper:2603
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    File URL: https://hcapps.holycross.edu/hcs/RePEc/hcx/AbortionBans_CollegeChoices_Paper_WPSeries.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K38 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Human Rights Law; Gender Law; Animal Rights Law

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