Overview

Abstract (English)

To isolate the causal impact of student financial aid on post-secondary outcomes, the existing literature has mostly used difference-in-differences with repeated cross-sections. However, results may be driven by the changing composition of groups, which may be endogenous to the reform. In contrast, this paper uses a longitudinal dataset of approximately 23,000 individuals over eight years, coupled with a 2001 Quebec reform that significantly altered the calculation of student financial aid. Following the reform, the probability to get grants and access post-secondary education increases. No impact is found on graduation rates. These results cast doubt on the reform’s efficacy.

Abstract (French)

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