Publications
IRRE Publications

The Costs and Benefits of an Excellent Education for All of America's Children

Levin, H., Belfield, C., Muennig, P. & Rouse, C. (2006). Teachers College, Columbia University

This cost-benefit study, conducted by Henry Levin of Teachers College, Columbia University, and three colleagues examined the cost effectiveness of diverse approaches (pre-K through high school) to improving graduation rates. 

As the only high school approach meeting the authors’ evidentiary standards for inclusion in the study, First Things First (FTF) was found to be the most cost-effective intervention studied, providing a 254% return on public investment.


(26 pages)