The Non-Market Benefits of Education and Ability

James Heckman, John Humphries and Gregory Veramendi

No 23896, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper analyzes the non-market benefits of education and ability. Using a dynamic model of educational choice we estimate returns to education that account for selection bias and sorting on gains. We investigate a range of non-market outcomes including incarceration, mental health, voter participation, trust, and participation in welfare. We find distinct patterns of returns that depend on the levels of schooling and ability. Unlike the monetary benefits of education, the benefits to education for many non-market outcomes are greater for low-ability persons. College graduation decreases welfare use, lowers depression, and raises self-esteem more for less-able individuals.

JEL-codes: D01 I14 I24 I26 I28 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cta, nep-edu and nep-ltv
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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Related works:
Journal Article: The Nonmarket Benefits of Education and Ability (2018)
Working Paper: The Non-Market Benefits of Education and Ability (2017)
Working Paper: The Non-Market Benefits of Education and Ability (2017)
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