First-Generation Graduates in OECD Countries

Alessandro Fabbri and Michele Pellizzari

No 20796, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: This paper examines earnings differences between first-generation and continuing generation college graduates across 24 OECD countries using data from the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). In all but two of the countries analysed, first-generation graduates earn less than their peers from college-educated families, with an average gap across all countries of approximately 8%. We investigate potential mechanisms behind this result and find that first-generation graduates are less likely to pursue postgraduate education, more likely to hold vocational degrees, and tend to have lower cognitive skills. These findings highlight the need for policy interventions to enhance educational mobility and promote equality of opportunity.

Keywords: Inequality; Intergenerational mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I23 I24 J62 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-10
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