How Much Of The Heterogeneity In Returns To College Major Can Be Explained By Institution Type?

Authors

Olivia Warner, Macalester CollegeFollow

Document Type

Honors Project - Open Access

Abstract

Rising post-secondary education costs have increased the importance of undergraduate students’ institution and field of study choices, two aspects of higher education that affect post-graduation earnings. This paper analyzes the impact of the interaction between college major and attending a liberal arts institution on post-graduation wages. Using data on Minnesota bachelor’s degree completers who were employed at Minnesota firms 6 to 18 months after graduation, I find robust evidence that the interaction is significant. Liberal arts students are disadvantaged when other institutional and individual characteristics are controlled for, but they may be relatively less so depending on field of study.

Recommended Citation

Warner, Olivia, "How Much Of The Heterogeneity In Returns To College Major Can Be Explained By Institution Type?" (2014). Economics Honors Projects. 56.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/economics_honors_projects/56