Fourteen Economic Facts on Education and Economic Opportunity

Abstract

Education is a powerful force for advancing opportunity, prosperity, and growth. Educational attainment is a significant determinant of a range of measures of well-being, including an individual’s likelihood of marrying, owning a home, or living a long life, as well as her likelihood of being arrested. Educational attainment is also a key determinant of economic success. A strong education system is fundamental to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to thrive. Over the past three decades the gap in earnings between workers with high levels of education and those with less education has grown substantially. In this context, the authors argue fourteen economic facts on education and economic opportunity.