TY  - RPRT
        AU  - Annadurai, Gopinath
AU  - Sahoo, Soham
        TI  - Improving First-Generation College Students’ Education and Employment Outcomes: Effects of a Targeted Scholarship Program
        PY  - 2025/May/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 17879
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/publications/dp17879
        AB  - 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.
        KW  - first-generation graduates
KW  - technical courses
KW  - tuition fee waiver
KW  - higher education
KW  - stream choice
KW  - labour market outcomes
        ER  -