The Pie: An Economics Podcast cover image

The Pie: An Economics Podcast

Is College Worth It? Measuring the Returns to Higher Education

May 14, 2024
Economist Jack Mountjoy from the University of Chicago discusses the returns of higher education. He examines the impact of college choices on student trajectories, cost-benefit analysis of enrolling academically marginal students, and the value of college education for these students, highlighting earnings, dropout rates, and societal benefits.
26:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Admitting academically marginal students to public universities leads to higher earnings and educational attainment.
  • Public perception of college value has shifted due to concerns about affordability and student loan debt.

Deep dives

College Attendance and Student Outcomes

Research suggests that even academically marginal students who barely get admitted to public universities experience positive outcomes. Compared to similar students who barely miss the cutoff, those admitted are more likely to earn a bachelor's degree, complete additional education, and earn 5% to 10% more income 10 to 15 years later.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode