Research

UK's CBER Shows Impact of Education on the Economy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2015) — If you have ever wondered what impact educational attainment levels have on the Kentucky economy, a new research poster published by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), part of the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, spells out the answer very clearly.

"The Impact of Education Cascading Through the Economy" graphically shows the overwhelming evidence that higher levels of education are generally associated with:

·         Higher Income

·         Higher Earnings and Employment

·         Better Health

·         More Volunteerism

·         Increased Technology Use

·         Lower Public Assistance

"Research confirms what common sense suggests," said CBER research associate Michael T. Childress. "Higher levels of education are associated with better economic outcomes like higher wages and lower unemployment. And by improving health, increasing technology use, expanding volunteerism, and reducing public assistance, higher education levels have long-lasting effects on the economy."

The CBER poster goes on to state that Kentucky's educational position has improved significantly over the last 25 years, but the state still lags the U.S. average in college attainment (23 percent to 30 percent) and academic achievement gaps continue to mute overall educational progress. 

"In the global economy, Kentucky's future economic prosperity will be determined largely by the pursuit of, and investment in, educational excellence," said CBER Director and Gatton Endowed Professor of Economics Christopher Bollinger.

A PDF of the CBER poster is available via email by contacting Childress at michael.childress@uky.eduThe research document can also be accessed via the CBER website at http://cber.uky.edu/.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu.