Paper
Information Policies and Higher Education Choices: Experimental Evidence from Colombia
Published Jul 1, 2017 · Leonardo Bonilla, Nicolas L. Bottan, Andrés Ham
Econometric Modeling: Microeconometric Studies of Health
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Abstract
This paper studies how providing information on the returns and financing of college affects higher education decisions. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Bogota, Colombia, on a representative sample of 120 urban public high schools, 60 of which received a 35-minute informational talk delivered by local college graduates. We find no effects of the intervention on post-secondary enrollment rates. However, students in treated schools who do enroll chose more selective degrees. Students in treated schools also perform slightly better on the national exit exam. Since most individuals in our sample are from low-income families, and positive effects derive mostly from changes in behavior of students from better socioeconomic backgrounds, we conclude that informational policies to motivate the demand for higher education are less effective in contexts where credit constraints are sizable.
Informational talks on college returns and financing may improve students' choices, but are less effective in contexts with significant credit constraints.
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