Ethnicity, Citizenship and In-state Residence: Analyses of Postsecondary Education Choices of Major

Racial gaps in educational attainment increase in the early education years (Fryer and Levitt 2004 & 2006; Nores, 2007) and are sustained in secondary education (Reardon, 2008). By the end of high school, gaps can turn into different postsecondary education pathways: being a high school dropout, a high school graduate and going into the labor market, enrolling in a community college, and enrolling in a four-year institution. Among the latter two, selection into either a two year or a four year institution defines latter educational achievement (Leigh and Gill, 2003; Rouse, 1994 & 1995). However, even among those that apply to a four year institution (and are admitted to one) choice about a major still define later labor market outcomes, and labor market returns. Such decisions are usually informed by preferences, previous educational attainment (selection, plus preparation, e.g. AP courses in specific fields), and expected labor market returns (Turner & Bowen, 1999).