全球智库信息集成服务系统

Abstract

RAND researchers examined how taxpayers benefit from increases in students' educational attainment. Using statistical modeling and national data, they analyzed how increases in educational attainment are associated with tax revenues, funds for social support and insurance programs, and spending on incarceration. The researchers found that, for all racial/ethnic groups, an increase in a student's educational attainment — for example, completing high school rather than dropping out — is associated with substantial value for taxpayers over time.

Meeting the educational demands of the future will be expensive; however, in most states, public schools from kindergarten through the university level already experience budgetary challenges. Policymakers in many states face the challenge of motivating taxpayers to provide the funds required to meet mounting educational needs. Taxpayers who do not have children in public school may question why they should contribute to the support of public education or why those who stand to benefit the most — the students — should not pay more for their education.