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The Effect of Distance to Colleges on Application Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Delaney, Judith M.

    (University of Bath)

  • Devereux, Paul J.

    (University College Dublin)

Abstract

We find substantial differences in college applications for students who have equal college opportunities and prior achievement but vary in distance to the nearest selective and non- selective college. Students who live closer to a selective college are more likely to list prestigious programs and colleges as their top choice. This results in differences in enrollment outcomes with the largest associations for those in the middle of the achievement distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Delaney, Judith M. & Devereux, Paul J., 2024. "The Effect of Distance to Colleges on Application Behavior," IZA Discussion Papers 17300, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marc Frenette, 2006. "Too Far to Go On? Distance to School and University Participation," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 31-58.
    2. Caroline Hoxby & Christopher Avery, 2013. "The Missing "One-Offs": The Hidden Supply of High-Achieving, Low-Income Students," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 44(1 (Spring), pages 1-65.
    3. Griffith, Amanda L. & Rothstein, Donna S., 2009. "Can't get there from here: The decision to apply to a selective college," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 620-628, October.
    4. Gibbons, Stephen & Vignoles, Anna, 2012. "Geography, choice and participation in higher education in England," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(1-2), pages 98-113.
    5. Do, Chau, 2004. "The effects of local colleges on the quality of college attended," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 249-257, June.
    6. John Cullinan & Darragh Flannery & Sharon Walsh & Selina Mccoy, 2013. "Distance Effects, Social Class and the Decision to Participate in Higher Education in Ireland," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 44(1), pages 19-51.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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