Differential Returns to Ability and College Major 5, 10, and 15 Years after Graduation

This research examines the impact of several variables, including college major field, on earnings of a nationally representative sample (NLSY79) of baccalaureate and masters recipients at multiple points in time. This extends previous research on the impact of college major on future earnings in two ways. First, the empirical relationship between college major fields and future earnings is examined at multiple points in time and into the long run, rather than focusing on one point in time, usually initial earnings or earnings within five years of graduation. Secondly, to date, the relationship between ability measures and college majors, as well as gender or race, on future earnings has not been examined empirically. I examine this relationship by estimating and testing interactions between an ability measure and college major dummy variables. The results show that returns to the ability measure does not differ by gender or race but does differ by college major.

Name thesis:degree_name

Bachelor of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

bachelors

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Economics

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo Honors Theses

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Bradfield, Anthony J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Keith, Dr. Kristen

• Economics
• Education
• Statistics
• Higher Education
• College Graduates
• Wages
• Majors (Students)
• Gender Differences

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: some rights reserved. It is licensed for use under a Creative Commons license. Specific terms and permissions are available from this document's record in the OhioLINK ETD Center.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=uthonors1345568869

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:uthonors1345568869