Journal of Labor Economics Vol. 34 No. 2 2016
Testing for Educational Credit Constraints Using Heterogeneity in Individual Time Preferences
Abstract
I develop a model in which individual time discount rates have a larger effect on human capital accumulation when credit constraints are binding. Impatient individuals obtain less schooling when borrowing constraints limit the ability to finance consumption during school. Using data from the NLSY79, I show that self-reported measures of time preferences have a significantly higher effect on the college attendance decisions of blacks than those of whites and the decisions of low-income youths than those of high-income youths. These results provide new evidence that members of disadvantaged groups obtain lower levels of schooling because they are credit constrained.
- DOI
- 10.1086/683644
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 363-402
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref