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Article
Do College-Prep Programs Improve Long-Term Outcomes?
Economic Inquiry (2014)
  • C. Kirabo Jackson, Northwestern University
Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the longer-run effects of a college-preparatory program implemented in inner-city schools that provided teacher training in addition to payments to eleventh- and twelfth- grade students and their teachers for passing scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Affected students passed more AP exams, were more likely to remain in college beyond their first and second years, and earned higher wages. Effects are particularly pronounced for Hispanic students who experienced a 2.5-percentage-point increase in college degree attainment and an 11-percent increase in earnings. While the study is based on non-experimental variation, the results are robust across a variety of specifications, and most plausible sources of bias are ruled out. The results provide credible evidence that implementing high-quality college-preparatory programs in existing urban schools can improve the long-run educational and labor market outcomes of disadvantaged youth.
Keywords
  • College preperation,
  • Advanced Placmement,
  • pay for performance
Publication Date
January, 2014
Citation Information
Jackson, C. Kirabo. "Do College-Prep Programs Improve Long-Term Outcomes?" Economic Inquiry Vol. 52, No. 1, (January 2014), 72–99.