In this study we estimate the effects on school enrollment of three sequential reforms
undertaken between 2000 and 2006 on tuition of primary and junior high schools for
poor, rural families in China. Using difference-in-difference approaches and sample
children from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2000, 2004 and 2006 waves,
we find that tuition control has had little effect on primary and junior high school
enrollment. Furthermore, a policy that includes tuition waiver, free textbooks and
living expense subsidies for children who live in rural, poor families starting from 2003
had a positive and statistically significant effect on school enrollment, especially for
that of rural girls. Finally, the provision of tuition waivers for all rural children since
2006 had a statistically significant gender differential effect on school enrollment in
girls’ favor.