Seminar: The effect of raising the minimum school leaving age on education and earnings

Time: 13.00-14.00 hours
Location: CPB-office, Van Stolkweg 14, The Hague

Presentation: Sander Gerritsen (CPB)

Discussant: Ron Diris (KL)

Language: English

Registration:  Please register by sending an email to seminars@cpb.nl.

Abstract subject
In this paper we exploit a regression discontinuity framework to estimate the effects of a change in the Dutch compulsory schooling law. In the Netherlands, the minimum school leaving age was raised from 14 to 15 in 1971. Individuals born on or after 1 October 1956 were affected by the new law. We compare the educational level and labour market position of those born around this date. We find that the change led to a decrease in the high school drop out rate of approximately 20%. However, the change did not increase earnings or improve labour market outcomes in general. Our findings are consistent with previous work from continental Europe that documents zero returns to increasing compulsory education.

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