Paying for Performance: The Education Impacts of a Community College Scholarship Program for Low-Income Adults

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 563 - 599

Authors (4)

Lisa Barrow (Federal Reserve Bank of Clevel...) Lashawn Richburg-Hayes (not in RePEc) Cecilia Elena Rouse (not in RePEc) Thomas Brock (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We evaluate the effect of performance-based incentive programs on educational outcomes for community college students from a random assignment experiment at three campuses. Incentive payments over 2 semesters were tied to meeting two conditions--enrolling at least half-time and maintaining a C or better grade point average. Eligibility increased the likelihood of enrolling in the second semester after random assignment and total number of credits earned. Over 2 years, program group students completed nearly 40% more credits. We find little evidence that program eligibility changed types of courses taken but some evidence of increased academic performance and effort.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/675229
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-24