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How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

Anthony Yim

Journal of Policy Analysis and Management2026https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.70088article
AJG 3ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Using a natural experiment which randomized class times to students, this study reveals that enrolling in early morning classes lowers students’ course grades and the likelihood of future STEM course enrollment. There is a 29% reduction in pursuing the major within the same college and a 21% rise in choosing a low‐earning major, predominantly influenced by early morning STEM classes. To understand the mechanism, I conducted a survey of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory course, some of whom were assigned to a 7:30 a.m. section. I find evidence of a decrease in human capital accumulation and learning quality for early morning sections.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.70088

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@article{anthony2026,
  title        = {{How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence From a Natural Experiment}},
  author       = {Anthony Yim},
  journal      = {Journal of Policy Analysis and Management},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.70088},
}

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How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.