Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
People often delay starting college or temporarily leave college to work. To examine the welfare implications of intermittent college attendance, I incorporate flexible age-by-age college enrollment choice in a life-cycle model in general equilibrium. College serves as an investment device for the young and reduces risk for the old. Removing flexible access reduces the total welfare value of college by one quarter. Moreover, higher wealth and better human capital preparedness at age 18 incentivize early-age degree completion. However, accessing college at a later age matters more for those who are initially less advantaged. Thus, policies that alleviate financial costs generate considerable long-term welfare improvements.