Overeducation among Affirmative Action Beneficiaries: Evidence from a Brazilian Public University.

This study analyzes whether beneficiaries of an Affirmative Action (AA) bonus at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) are, after graduation, entering the labor market in occupations aligned with their qualifications or if they are experiencing overeducation - having more schooling than required for the exercise of the professional activity. To this end, administrative data on admissions to UFRN were cross-referenced with information on formal workers registered in Brazil, available in the Annual Social Information Report (RAIS). The Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) method was used as an identification strategy. Among the main results, it is noteworthy that women admitted through AA to UFRN have a higher probability of completing the program. In contrast, men in the same situation are more likely to experience overeducation, indicating a greater mismatch between their education level and professional occupation, highlighting gender discrepancies in the effects. The conclusions suggest the need for additional policies and programs that promote academic and career guidance and encourage cooperation between universities and the job market, facilitating the transition into roles that match graduate's education level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]