The Earnings Effect of Education at Community Colleges

Marcotte, Dave E.

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The Earnings Effect of Education at Community Colleges

IZA Discussion Paper No. 2334

34 Pages Posted: 15 Oct 2006

See all articles by Dave E. Marcotte

Dave E. Marcotte

University of Maryland Baltimore County; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

There are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: September 2006

Abstract

In this paper, I make use of data from the 2000 follow-up of the National Education Longitudinal Survey (NELS) post-secondary education transcript files to extend what is known about the value of education at community colleges. I examine the effects of enrollment in community colleges on students' subsequent earnings. I estimate the effects of credits earned separate from credentials because community colleges are often used as a means for students to engage in study not necessarily leading to a degree or certificate. I find consistent evidence of wage and salary effects of both credits and degrees, especially for women. There is no substantial evidence that enrollment in vocational rather than academic coursework has a particularly beneficial effect, however.

Keywords: community college, training, earnings, human capital

JEL Classification: I2, J24, J31

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Marcotte, Dave E., The Earnings Effect of Education at Community Colleges (September 2006). IZA Discussion Paper No. 2334, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=937364

Dave E. Marcotte (Contact Author)

University of Maryland Baltimore County ( email )

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