AEA Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 111,
May 2021
(pp. 107–11)
Abstract
This paper studies one college's policy requiring minimum grades in core courses for completion of the economics major. The policy reduced majors by approximately 6 percent. Grades of C- and D (requiring students to retake the course) dropped substantially, while grades of C (the minimum acceptable grade) did not change, and grades from C+ to B rose. Difference-in-difference analysis suggests that the policy caused the grade shift. Because C grades did not change and grades as high as B increased, I conclude that the policy caused increased effort by students who were below and somewhat above the performance standard.Citation
Schmidt, Stephen J. 2021. "Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 111: 107–11. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20211046Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- A22 Economic Education and Teaching of Economics: Undergraduate