LAUSR

Abstract The current study contributes to the literature of higher education in India at the institutional level by investigating the impact of hostel accommodation on female enrollment. State-wise panel data regression analysis reveals that while hostel accommodation has no impact on the gross enrollment ratios of female students in general, it significantly and positively impacts the enrollment ratios of females belonging to specific marginalized social groups, that is, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Castes. This underscores the heterogeneity within female students pursuing higher education. Additionally, regression findings highlight a positive influence of the share of teachers belonging to marginalized social groups on the corresponding female gross enrollment ratios, thereby lending support to the “role model effect.”