Viva la U! Quality Is What Is Important: The Effect of Colombia’s Flagship Public College on Academic and Labor Market Outcomes

This research investigates the impact of Colombia’s flagship public university on academic and labor market outcomes. Utilizing a regression discontinuity design, findings reveal that admitted applicants significantly increase their enrollment probabilities, graduate rates, labor market entry, and wages compared to marginally non-admitted candidates. These results underscore the misconception that private institutions are superior, indicating that quality education outcomes are linked to institutional quality, whether public or private, and highlight the need for equitable resource distribution.