Andrew Hill, University of South Carolina

Prof. Andrew Hill, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, will present a seminar.

Title: The Effect of Affirmative Action Bans on STEM Freshman Enrollment and Degree Completions

Abstract:
This paper investigates the effect of statewide affirmative action bans on minority STEM enrollment and degree completions at US public four-year colleges, finding that minority enrollment in STEM declines after affirmative action is banned. This occurs at institutions of all levels of selectivity. There is no convincing evidence that this translates into a reduction in STEM degree completions for minorities, suggesting that minorities marginally admitted to STEM programs as a result of affirmative action in admissions may not graduate in STEM. STEM enrollment for nonminority students increases after affirmative action is banned, particularly at more selective institutions, but does not fully compensate for the reduction in minority students. This results in a reduction in overall STEM enrollment. Suggestive evidence that STEM degree completions increase for nonminority students indicates that marginally admitted nonminority students may have greater persistence rates in STEM than marginally admitted minority students.
 

Location: Timlin Room (Arts 807)

Time: 4:00 pm

This is part of the Department of Economics Seminar Series. Everyone is welcome.