Logit estimation of a gravity model of the college enrollment decision

Abstract

A set of students who had been accepted at a particular university was examined to determine the factors influencing a student's decision to enroll at that school. A gravity model predicted that distance is an important determinant of the enrollment decision. The student's ability level, by influencing the student's other options, also was expected to have an impact on the decision. Logit analysis confirmed these predictions. While other variables, such as family income and program of study, may have an impact on earlier stages of the college selection decision, those variables do not influence the final stage of that decision.