Closing the Gap: The Effect of Reducing Complexity and Uncertainty in College Pricing on the Choices of Low-Income Students
American Economic Review · 2021 · Susan Dynarski、CJ Libassi、Katherine M. Michelmore、Stephanie Owen
中文摘要
高成就、低收入学生进入选拔性大学的比例远低于具有相似成就的高收入学生。由招生与资助过程中的复杂性与不确定性所加剧的行为偏误，或许可以解释这一差距。在一项大规模实验中，我们检验了一所旗舰大学提前承诺免学费的政策。该干预并未增加资助：相反，学生在申请前即被保证，一旦被录取他们将获得预期有资格获得的同等助学金。该承诺大幅提高了申请率（68%对26%）和入学率（27%对12%）。结果表明，不确定性、现时偏误与损失厌恶在学生的大学决策中影响甚大。(JEL I22, I23, I24, D31, I28)
Abstract
High-achieving, low-income students attend selective colleges at far lower rates than upper-income students with similar achievement. Behavioral biases, intensified by complexity and uncertainty in the admissions and aid process, may explain this gap. In a large-scale experiment we test an early commitment of free tuition at a flagship university. The intervention did not increase aid: rather, students were guaranteed before application the same grant aid that they would qualify for in expectation if admitted. The offer substantially increased application (68 percent versus 26 percent) and enrollment rates (27 percent versus 12 percent). The results suggest that uncertainty, present bias, and loss aversion loom large in students’ college decisions. (JEL I22, I23, I24, D31, I28)