Determinants of Young Male Schooling and Training Choices

46 Pages Posted: 21 Aug 2007 Last revised: 30 Oct 2022

See all articles by Stephen V. Cameron

Stephen V. Cameron

Columbia University - School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA)

James J. Heckman

University of Chicago - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); American Bar Foundation; Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA); CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Date Written: April 1993

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of GED acquisition. high school graduation and postsecondary training and schooling choices. Economic factors determining dropping out are considered. The determinants of high school certification by exam are fundamentally different from the determinants of ordinary high school graduation. GED graduates are more likely to take vocational and technical training while ordinary graduates are more likely to attend academic programs. GED recipients are much less likely to complete the post-secondary programs they begin. The GED exam does not measure the ability or motivation that predicts successful completion of post-secondary schooling and training programs. Participation in post-secondary nonacademic training is positively related to family resources. Thus both academic and non-academic training operate to reinforce initial family earnings inequalities.

Suggested Citation

Cameron, Stephen and Heckman, James J., Determinants of Young Male Schooling and Training Choices (April 1993). NBER Working Paper No. w4327, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=478733

Stephen Cameron (Contact Author)

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James J. Heckman

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