Preferred field of study and academic performance

Arbeitspapier

This paper investigates the impact of studying the first-choice university subject on dropout and switching field of study for a cohort of students in Germany. Using detailed survey data, and employing an instrumental variable strategy based on variation in the local field of study availability, we provide evidence that students who are not enrolled in their preferred field of study are more likely to change their field, delay graduation and drop out of university. The estimated impact on dropout is particularly strong among students of low socio-economic status and is driven by lower academic performance and motivation.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ZEW Discussion Papers ; No. 22-017

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Analysis of Education ; Higher Education; Research Institutions ; Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
• Subject: field of study ; preferences ; academic performance ; university dropout

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Berlingieri, Francesco ; Diegmann, André ; Sprietsma, Maresa
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): ZEW - Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung
• (where): Mannheim
• (when): 2022

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/261293
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET