RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 School Accountability, Long-Run Criminal Activity, and Self-Sufficiency* JF Journal of Human Resources JO J Hum Resour FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 0723-13034R1 DO 10.3368/jhr.0723-13034R1 A1 Eren, Ozkan A1 Figlio, David A1 Mocan, Naci A1 Ozturk, Orgul YR 2025 UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2025/08/01/jhr.0723-13034R1.abstract AB This paper examines the impact of school accountability on adult crime and economic self-sufficiency. We employ a unique source of linked administrative data from a Southern state and exploit exogenous variation generated by the state‘s accountability regime. Our findings indicate that a school‘s receipt of a lower accountability rating, at the bottom end of the ratings distribution, decreases their students‘ criminal involvement and the likelihood of being incarcerated in adulthood. However, we do not find any meaningful relationship between a lower accountability rating and enrollment in social welfare programs. Further examination of the mechanisms reveals that accountability pressures prompted schools to implement policies that led to changes in school climate.