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Who Benefits From Higher Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

Mon, April 8, 8:00 to 9:30am, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Floor: Second Floor, Dufferin

Abstract

We investigate how higher education contributes to labour market outcomes, and whether social origins play a role in the financial benefits from higher education. We use econometric methods and the STEP surveys of urban labour force participants in Armenia, Bolivia, Colombia, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Laos, Macedonia, and Vietnam. We find that individuals who have obtained a degree are usually more likely to find employment and enjoy sizable earnings premia. We also find little evidence that the earnings premia from higher education vary by social origins or the likelihood of obtaining a degree. These results suggest that the benefits from higher education are comparable for individuals from disadvantaged and advantaged social origins.

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