Factors Affecting College Attendance

The Journal of Human Resources, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 174-188, Spring 1975

16 Pages Posted: 2 Jun 2011

See all articles by Sandra Christensen

Sandra Christensen

University of Maryland - Department of Economics

John Melder

affiliation not provided to SSRN (deceased)

Burton A. Weisbrod

Northwestern University - Department of Economics; University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Department of Economics

Date Written: 1975

Abstract

Three factors that may influence a high school graduate's decision to attend college are considered: (1) his ability, (2) the cost of attending college, and (3) the socioeconomic status of his parents. The results, based on a probit analysis, indicate that factors (1) and (3) are strong influences on the probability of attending college. Among the socioeconomic variables, however, family income is the least important influence on college attendance. The low income elasticity of demand for college implies that unrestricted income transfers to the low income population would not be an effective way of increasing their rate of college attendance.

Suggested Citation

Christensen, Sandra and Melder, John and Weisbrod, Burton A., Factors Affecting College Attendance (1975). The Journal of Human Resources, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 174-188, Spring 1975, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1856612

Sandra Christensen

University of Maryland - Department of Economics

College Park, MD 20742
United States

John Melder

affiliation not provided to SSRN (deceased)

Burton A. Weisbrod (Contact Author)

Northwestern University - Department of Economics ( email )

2003 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States
847-467-1235 (Phone)
847-491-7001 (Fax)

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Department of Economics ( email )

9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0508
United States

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