Paper Title
RETURNS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN URBAN AND RURAL REGIONS IN CHINA (2010-2020)

Abstract
Abstract - This thesis explores on the impact of different educational paths across the entire wage distribution and focus on subsample analysis in urban and rural areas in China from 2010 to 2020. The thesis employed the quantile regression method and sub-sample analysis using the dataset from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS). Quantitative regression reveals higher education in rural regions surprisingly correlates with decreased monthly incomes for many earners. In urban regions, there is a continuous and positive correlation between higher education and monthly incomes. Using parental and spousal education levels as controls, IVQR estimates showcase that returns to education are higher for individuals at the lower end of the wage distribution. The effect is stronger in urban regions compared to rural regions. For the lower decile, Education has a positive effect on the individual's earnings, with this effect being stronger for individuals at the lower deciles of the wage distribution. Keywords - Higher Education; Returns to Education; Wage Distribution; Rural and Urban Regions