Race, Ethnicity, and the College Double Major

Abstract

This study uses American Community Survey data to estimate the returns to a double major, with a focus on differential returns by race and ethnicity. Consistent with past findings, this study finds a positive return on earnings for double majors, but caution that these results are not necessarily causal. After addressing the return to a double major for the whole sample, the study then looks at heterogeneity in the return to a double major by race and gender. A theoretical model is presented which predicts that non-whites will see a higher return on earnings than whites. As predicted, blacks and Hispanics see a significantly higher return to a double major than whites. Policy focused on lowering the cost of double majoring could help to alleviate some of the racial earnings gap.