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ERIC Number: ED671036
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 38
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Can Information Widen Socioeconomic Gaps in Postsecondary Aspirations? How College Costs and Returns Affect Parents' Preferences for their Children. EdWorkingPaper No. 19-132
Albert Cheng; Michael B. Henderson; Paul E. Peterson; Martin R. West
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
To estimate whether information can close socioeconomic gaps in parents' aspirations for their child's postsecondary education, we administer a four-armed survey experiment to a nationally representative sample of U.S. parents. After respondents estimate costs of and returns to further education, we ask whether they prefer that their child pursue a four-year degree, a two-year degree, or no further education. Before this question is posed, the treated are first told (1) the net annual costs of pursuing a four-year and two-year degree in their state, (2) the annual returns to four-year and two-year degrees as compared to no further education in their local area, or (3) both costs and returns. We find that information lowers aspirations overall and widens socioeconomic aspiration gaps. These effects do not vary with the magnitude of error between estimated and actual costs and returns. However, we find positive impacts on aspirations among parents who think their child is academically prepared for college.
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Walton Family Foundation; William E. Simon Foundation
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: American Community Survey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A