26 novembre 2013, 15h30–17h00
Toulouse
Salle MS 001
Econometrics Seminar
Résumé
Using comprehensive administrative data on France's single largest financial aid program, this paper provides new evidence on the impact of large-scale need-based grant programs on the college enrollment decisions, persistence and graduation rates of low-income students. We exploit sharp discontinuities in the grant eligibility formula to identify the impact of aid on student out- comes at different levels of study. We find that eligibility for an annual cash allowance of 1,500 euros increases college enrollment rates by up to 5 percent- age points. Moreover, we show that need-based grants have positive effects on student persistence and degree completion. JEL Classification: H52, I22, I28, J24, J38 Keywords: Need-based grants; college enrollment; student persistence; degree completion