Wealth at Birth and its Effect on Academic Achievement, Behavioral Problems

 This study examines the association between family wealth and academic achievement and socioemotional behaviors of children ages 5 to 12 including associations between different forms of wealth (e.g., home equity) and child achievement and behaviors. It also assesses whether wealth prior to birth mediates racial/ethnic disparities in child achievement and disparities in achievement by maternal education/ability (AFQT). 

Results indicate that wealth, particularly financial wealth that is the most liquid, has a modest positive association with achievement test scores. Wealth is also associated with fewer behavioral problems, but these results are less robust.