Is education worth it?

The US spends about $12,500 a year per public-school student, which many argue is not enough to ensure a high-quality education for all students. Economics professor Bryan Caplan argues just the opposite in his forthcoming book, “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money” (Princeton University Press, January 2018), claiming that education is overrated, primarily serving as a credentialing institution that does not add much value.

Does education enhance students’ knowledge and skills? Or does it mostly “signal” their intelligence, work ethic, and conformity — the qualities of a good employee?

Join AEI as Bryan Caplan debates AEI’s Eric Hanushek about the value of education. The event will feature an interactive debate, with audience members voting to determine a winner.