She researches the labor market returns to different degree programs and major areas in higher education. She is also conducting research to explore the impacts of educational programs, interventions, and instructional practice on student course performance, persistence, and degree completion. Dr. Xu earned a PhD in economics and education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She received a BA in English literature from Peking University in China and holds an MA in sociology and education from Teachers College and an MA in applied linguistics from the University of Cambridge, UK. Her research interests include economic returns to higher education, financial aid to higher education, and the use of quantitative research methods in evaluating the effects of governmental policies and projects on educational equity and efficiency.