2026-04-17T01:14:50Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2445/1163082025-12-04T21:18:03Zcom_2072_1057col_2072_478859col_2072_478917

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Vergolini, Loris author Zanini, Nadir author 2017-10-09T07:15:48Z 2017-10-09T07:15:48Z 2012 Using a counterfactual approach, this paper empirically investigates the impact of an educational programme recently introduced in the Province of Trento (North-East of Italy). The aim of the policy is to foster university enrolment of students from low-income families and to reduce inequalities in access to higher education. The programme, known as Grant 5B, consists in generous incentives: it targets the university students from low-income families and is awarded upon both merit and demonstrated financial need. We exploit data from an ad hoc survey conducted on a sample of upper secondary graduates and employ a regression discontinuity design to estimate the impact of the intervention on the university enrolment decisions. We find that the programme has no significant effect on enrolment rates, but it exerts a positive effect on redirecting students already bound for university to enrol outside the place of residence. Relying on the relative risk aversion theory, we explain why a relaxation of the eligibility rules based on merit might be more effective in reducing social inequalities in access to university. Subvencions Matrícula d'alumnes Universitats Avaluació educativa Subsidies Student enrollment Universities Educational evaluation How does aid matter? the effect of financial aid on university enrolment decisions