RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Greek Life, Academics, and Earnings
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
DO 10.3368/jhr.57.3.1018-9814R3
A1 William E. Even
A1 Austin C. Smith
YR 2020
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2020/03/03/jhr.57.3.1018-9814R3.abstract
AB 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.