Students’ Mobility in Higher Education: An ERG Model Approach

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the mobility patterns of university students among Italian regions. Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) represent a statistical approach to modeling social networks. The aim is to model the probability of ties on the basis of some network structural characteristics. The dependent variable is the directed tie formation via mobility among Italy regions. In this study, we utilize data extracted from the Anangrafe Nazionale Studenti, which covers student cohorts since 2010, and data from the Benessere Equo Sostenibile, which provides information about Italian regions. We examine individual-level information about the students that includes demographic characteristics, high school backgrounds, and the selection of bachelor and master programs at university and aggregated-level information about Italian regions such as quality of life, job-market prospect, and income inequality.