Abstract Chapter 1. Introduction Section 1. Research Background Section 2. Purpose of the Research Chapter 2. Theoretical Background and Literature Review Section 1. Theoretical Background Section 2. Literature Review Chapter 3. Institutional Background Chapter 4. Empirical Strategy Section 1. Identification Section 2. Estimation Section 3. Inference Chapter 5. Data and Sample Section 1. Data Description Section 2. Sample Selection Section 3. Descriptive Statistics Chapter 6. Validity Check for the RKD Section 1. Kink in the Treatment Variable Section 2. Tests of Manipulation Section 3. Kink in Baseline Characteristics Chapter 7. Results Section 1. Effects of a College Degree on Fertility Section 2. Identifying the Mechanisms Section 3. Robustness Check: Placebo Tests Chapter 8. Discussion and Conclusions Section 1. Discussion Section 2. Conclusions References