Do Waiver Programs Boost Enrollment? Evidence from RDD Analysis

Session Abstract: Colleges increasingly look to improving yield through financial incentives such as scholarship programs or tuition waivers, yet the effectiveness of specific programs is often untested. This session uses Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) to evaluate whether specific waiver programs causally influence enrollment decisions. Using internal institutional data, the study estimates the impact of waiver offers at eligibility thresholds, with results broken down by student subgroups. Attendees will gain practical insights into using RDD in institutional research and learn how to apply findings to support equity-focused and cost-effective enrollment strategies.

Keywords: Tuition Waivers, Regression Discontinuity Design, Policy Evaluation, Yield Rate.