College Gap Time and Academic Outcomes for Women: Evidence From Missionaries

• In Event: Illuminating the Diversity of Women's Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

This study leverages a policy change in the missionary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which exogenously increased the likelihood a woman took gap time during college to understand how this influences women’s academic outcomes. Using administrative data from Brigham Young University and an instrumental variables estimation strategy, we find that women who take gap time shift into majors with higher expected salaries, and that gap time benefits both high ability and academically challenged women. A drawback of gap time is that it decreases the likelihood of graduating within eight years. This research informs university administrators and students seeking to understand the costs and benefits of taking planned time off during post-secondary education.

Authors

• Margaret Marchant, Brigham Young University

• Jocelyn Wikle, Brigham Young University