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Improving First-Generation College Students’ Education and Employment Outcomes: Effects of a Targeted Scholarship Program

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  • Annadurai, Gopinath

    (Indian Institute of Management Bangalore)

  • Sahoo, Soham

    (Loughborough University)

Abstract

We evaluate the First-Generation Graduate Scholarship scheme implemented in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which waives tuition fees for first-generation college students in technical education. Using household survey data in difference-in-differences (DiD) and synthetic DiD frameworks, we find substantial improvements in enrollment, stream choice, and graduation in technical courses, with downstream effects on regular employment, occupational choices, and household welfare. Male students gained more than female students. The scheme also increased reliance on education loans to cover residual costs. Our findings highlight how targeting intergenerational disadvantages through education policy can influence educational choices and produce positive labour market returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Annadurai, Gopinath & Sahoo, Soham, 2025. "Improving First-Generation College Students’ Education and Employment Outcomes: Effects of a Targeted Scholarship Program," IZA Discussion Papers 17879, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17879
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    first-generation graduates; technical courses; tuition fee waiver; higher education; stream choice; labour market outcomes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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