Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/260397 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
IWH Discussion Papers No. 16/2022
Publisher: 
Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH), Halle (Saale)
Abstract: 
This paper investigates the impact of studying the first-choice university subject on dropout and switching field of study for a cohort of students in Germany. Using detailed survey data, and employing an instrumental variable strategy based on variation in the local field of study availability, we provide evidence that students who are not enrolled in their preferred field of study are more likely to change their field, delay graduation and drop out of university. The estimated impact on dropout is particularly strong among students of low socio-economic status and is driven by lower academic performance and motivation.
Subjects: 
academic performance
field of study
preferences
university dropout
JEL: 
I21
I23
J24
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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