The private rate of return to a university degree in Australia
Type of Publication: Journal article
Lead Organisation: University of Canberra
Year Published: 2015
Lead Researcher: Anne Daly
Written by Anne Daly, Phil Lewis, Michael Corliss and Tiffany Heaslip, Centre for Labour Market Research, University of Canberra
Published in the Australian Journal of Education Vol 59 Issue 1
Jan 2015
ABSTRACT
This article presents estimates of the private monetary benefits in Australia associated with the completion of Bachelor degrees for a range of fields of study under a range of different assumptions. For the average person, results show strong monetary incentives to complete these degrees and the private rate of return compares favourably with the real long-term bond rate. However, differences can be observed in rates of return according to gender and discipline of study with, generally, lower returns for women and for those holding degrees in the humanities. The results are calculated on varying assumptions which provide evidence of the robustness of the conclusions. Finally, implications for policy, such as university financing and increases in university places, are discussed.