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Research ArticleArticle

Greek Life, Academics, and Earnings

William E. Even and Austin C. Smith
Published online before print March 09, 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.57.3.1018-9814R3
William E. Even
William Even is a professor of economics and the Raymond E. Glos Professor of Business at Miami University and a research fellow at IZA. Austin Smith () is an assistant professor of economics at Miami University and a research affiliate at IZA.
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Austin C. Smith
William Even is a professor of economics and the Raymond E. Glos Professor of Business at Miami University and a research fellow at IZA. Austin Smith () is an assistant professor of economics at Miami University and a research affiliate at IZA.
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Abstract

Using records from a large public university, we examine the impact of Greek social organizations on academic performance and labor market outcomes. To isolate the causal effect of Greek life, we exploit a university policy prohibiting students from joining a Greek organization during their first semester and a minimum GPA for eligibility. Regression discontinuity and panel methods reveal that Greek affiliation reduces student grades by 0.1-0.3 standard deviations. Greek effects are largest during the semester of pledging, semesters of increased social activities, and for males. We find no evidence that Greek affiliation improves labor market outcomes for marginally eligible students.

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Journal of Human Resources: 60 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 60, Issue 3
1 May 2025
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Greek Life, Academics, and Earnings
William E. Even, Austin C. Smith
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2020, DOI: 10.3368/jhr.57.3.1018-9814R3

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Greek Life, Academics, and Earnings
William E. Even, Austin C. Smith
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2020, DOI: 10.3368/jhr.57.3.1018-9814R3
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