Into College, Out of Poverty? Policies to Increase the Postsecondary Attainment of the Poor

Deming, David James; Dynarski , Susan M.

Into College, Out of Poverty? Policies to Increase the Postsecondary Attainment of the Poor

NBER Working Paper No. w15387

30 Pages Posted: 28 Sep 2009 Last revised: 19 Jul 2010

See all articles by David James Deming

David James Deming

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)

Susan M. Dynarski

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy; University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - School of Education

Date Written: September 2009

Abstract

We review the experimental and quasi-experimental research evidence on the causal relationship between college costs and educational attainment, with a particular focus on low-income populations. The weight of the evidence indicates that reducing college costs can increase college entry and persistence. Simple and transparent programs appear to be most effective. Programs that link money to incentives and/or the takeup of academic support services appear to be particularly effective.

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Deming, David James and Dynarski, Susan M., Into College, Out of Poverty? Policies to Increase the Postsecondary Attainment of the Poor (September 2009). NBER Working Paper No. w15387, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1478805