HOW WE KNOW THAT METCO WORKS
Tufts University economist Elizabeth Setren compared METCO participants from 2003 to 2016 with similar students who applied to METCO but did not enroll. Her team examined data including MCAS scores, attendance, suspensions, graduation, college attendance, college graduation, employment, and earnings. The results were resoundingly clear: the METCO program has a large, positive effect on its participants’ educational achievements and careers. There was also no indication of negative academic or behavioral effects on suburban students in schools attended by METCO students.
Professor Setren's reputation as a talented expert in economics and education earned her the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest accolade granted by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. The honor was bestowed by President Joe Biden at the White House on January 14, 2025.
MORE EXPERIENCED TEACHERS
SMALLER CLASS SIZES
BETTER ATTENDANCE
about three additional school days each year
Up to 8%
FEWER SUSPENSIONS
Large gains in
MATH & ENGLISH TEST SCORES
10% higher likelihood of
COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL
dropout rate cut by 1/3
17% higher likelihood of
ATTENDING COLLEGE
6% higher likelihood of
GRADUATING COLLEGE
HIGHER RATE OF EMPLOYMENT
at age 25
65% HIGHER INCOME
at age 35
METCO made me...
Students, parents, and teachers of different backgrounds appreciate diversity and find common ground through shared experiences. Lifelong friendships form between diverse students. Young people are prepared to become global citizens. Tens of thousands of METCO alumni are community leaders in business, government, and non-profit organizations, and proud parents of next-generation METCO students.