CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, DROPOUT RATES AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of Catholic schooling on high‐school dropout rates and educational attainment. Particular attention is given to the effect of selection into the Catholic school sector. After adjusting for self‐selection, we find that sophomores in the Catholic schools are still substantially more likely to graduate with their class. It is also shown that seniors in the Catholic schools are not more likely to acquire more schooling than other seniors if selection is taken into account.