Direct and Indirect Effects of Affirmative Action in University Admissions
12 June, 2024 12:30 hrs
Título: Direct and Indirect Effects of Affirmative Action in University Admissions
Speaker: Jorge Rodríguez (Universidad de los Andes)
Abstract: This paper provides causal evidence that giving preferential access to college to talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds not only benefits them on average but also their younger siblings and neighbors. We study a program that reserves places for students completing high school in the top 10% of their class. Comparing the outcomes of individuals who are marginally above and below this cutoff in a regression discontinuity design, we find that eligibility for preferential admissions increases four-year college enrollment by 4 (9%) percentage points and college completion by 1.8 (5%) percentage points. The younger siblings and close neighbors of direct beneficiaries also benefit from the program: they become two percentage points more likely to attend and complete a four-year college degree. Social spillovers of programs that expand access to college are not trivial and should be incorporated in the evaluation and design of this type of program.
Location:
Sala de Consejo, Beauchef 851, piso 4 | Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, UCHILE
Speaker:
Jorge Rodríguez
MIPP Chile 2024