Working Paper: NBER ID: w15387
Authors: David Deming; Susan Dynarski
Abstract: We review the experimental and quasi-experimental research evidence on the causal relationship between college costs and educational attainment, with a particular focus on low-income populations. The weight of the evidence indicates that reducing college costs can increase college entry and persistence. Simple and transparent programs appear to be most effective. Programs that link money to incentives and/or the takeup of academic support services appear to be particularly effective.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: H52; I22; I28; J24; J38
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Financial aid programs combining financial incentives with academic support services (I22) | Better results than those offering aid alone (F35) |
| Targeting in financial aid programs (I22) | Effectiveness of financial aid programs (I22) |
| Less targeted programs with simpler application processes (I23) | Better outcomes (I14) |
| Reducing college costs through financial aid (I22) | Increased college entry rates (I23) |