Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 111,
May 2021
(pp. 107-11)
Abstract
This paper studies one college's policy requiring minimum grades in core courses for completion of the economics major. The policy reduced majors by approximately 6 percent. Grades of C- and D (requiring students to retake the course) dropped substantially, while grades of C (the minimum acceptable grade) did not change, and grades from C+ to B rose. Difference-in-difference analysis suggests that the policy caused the grade shift. Because C grades did not change and grades as high as B increased, I conclude that the policy caused increased effort by students who were below and somewhat above the performance standard.Citation
Schmidt, Stephen J. 2021. "Minimum Grade Requirements for Economics Majors: Effects on Enrollments and Student Learning." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 111: 107-11. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20211046Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- A22 Economic Education and Teaching of Economics: Undergraduate