Improving First-Generation College Students’ Education and Employment Outcomes: Effects of a Targeted Scholarship Program

Gopinath Annadurai () and Soham Sahoo
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Gopinath Annadurai: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

No 17879, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We evaluate the First-Generation Graduate Scholarship scheme implemented in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which waives tuition fees for first-generation college students in technical education. Using household survey data in difference-in-differences (DiD) and synthetic DiD frameworks, we find substantial improvements in enrollment, stream choice, and graduation in technical courses, with downstream effects on regular employment, occupational choices, and household welfare. Male students gained more than female students. The scheme also increased reliance on education loans to cover residual costs. Our findings highlight how targeting intergenerational disadvantages through education policy can influence educational choices and produce positive labour market returns.

Keywords: first-generation graduates; technical courses; tuition fee waiver; higher education; stream choice; labour market outcomes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I23 I24 I28 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-05
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