The effect of online class attendance on academic performance in finance education

Abstract

This study presents new evidence on how attending class –particularly synchronous virtual lessons– affects academic performance in higher education. We analyse data from over 500 undergraduate students enrolled in four finance courses at the University of Murcia, a Spanish public university where attendance is non-mandatory. After controlling for the student’s previous admission grade, academic experience, and demographic factors, the results show that online class attendance significantly increases the likelihood of taking the exam and improves the success rate as well as the final grades. Moreover, when the analysis distinguishes between attending lectures and practical lessons, there is a similar (positive) effect on student performance.