How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Yim, Anthony
• 署名单位: Brigham Young University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1520-6688
• DOI: 10.1002/pam.70088
• 发表日期: 2026-02-23
• 页码: e70088
• 关键词: college major; Higher education; human capital; stem; circadian-rhythms; sleep; time; achievement; RISK

摘要

Using a natural experiment which randomized class times to students, this study reveals that enrolling in early morning classes lowers students' course grades and the likelihood of future STEM course enrollment. There is a 29% reduction in pursuing the major within the same college and a 21% rise in choosing a low-earning major, predominantly influenced by early morning STEM classes. To understand the mechanism, I conducted a survey of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory course, some of whom were assigned to a 7:30 a.m. section. I find evidence of a decrease in human capital accumulation and learning quality for early morning sections.