Matching in the Dark? Inequalities in Student to Degree Match

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Campbell, Stuart; Macmillan, Lindsey; Murphy, Richard; Wyness, Gill
• 署名单位: University of London; University College London; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of London; London School Economics & Political Science
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/718433
• 发表日期: 2022
• 页码: 807-850
• 关键词: credit constraints; higher-education; college; PARTICIPATION; determinants; INFORMATION; QUALITY; CHOICE

摘要

This paper examines inequalities in the match between student and degree quality using linked administrative data from schools, universities, and tax authorities. We analyze two measures of match at the university subject level: undergraduate enrollment qualifications and graduate earnings. We find for both that disadvantaged students match to lower-quality degrees across the entire distribution of achievement in a setting with uniform fees and a generous financial aid system. While there are negligible gender gaps in academic match, high-attaining women systematically undermatch in terms of expected earnings, driven by subject choice. These inequalities in match are largest among the most undermatched.