A new study has found that graduating with a diverse peer group can increase starting salaries for business and law school graduates in the United States.
The research, conducted by Debanjan Mitra, Peter Golder, and Mariya Topchy, analyzed data from nearly 350 schools over two decades and found that students who graduated with a diverse peer group saw higher starting salaries compared to those who did not.
The study's authors argue that this evidence should prompt courts to reconsider earlier rulings on affirmative action programs.
However, the researchers also note that outcomes vary widely based on factors such as school quality, baseline diversity, and economic conditions at graduation, which can overshadow potential benefits.
The study's findings are significant given the ongoing debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in US universities and the impact of affirmative action programs on student outcomes.