Returns to Education: The Causal Effects of Education on Earnings, Health, and Smoking

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2018
Volume: 126
Issue: S1
Pages: S197 - S246

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

This paper estimates returns to education using a dynamic model of educational choice that synthesizes approaches in the structural dynamic discrete choice literature with approaches used in the reduced-form treatment effect literature. It is an empirically robust middle ground between the two approaches that estimates economically interpretable and policy-relevant dynamic treatment effects that account for heterogeneity in cognitive and noncognitive skills and the continuation values of educational choices. Graduating from college is not a wise choice for all. Ability bias is a major component of observed educational differentials. For some, there are substantial causal effects of education at all stages of schooling.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/698760
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29