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Cost Benefit of College Education

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Submitted By aj2012
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Cost and Benefits of Getting a College Education
Abstract This paper is an analysis of pursuing college education, based on years 2004 to 2008. As a working professional, college education is one of the most important credentials needed in starting a career. Despite the limitations, a rational and ambitious individual would undoubtedly seek such a level of education. With the present economic conditions, the cost of getting a college degree is soaring high. Finances of the family are affected, not to mention the inflationary factor of prices and school fees. In this simple analysis, the costs of gaining a degree in college are identified with the provided assumptions below. With regards to the costs, the return or benefits are also given a high importance in determining the value of pursuing in college. Statement of the Problem This paper will focus on comparing the costs of getting a college education with the benefits it will earn within four years after graduation. Specifically, this study will answer the following questions (with 2004 as base year): 1. How much is the cost in today’s value of peso for pursuing a college education? - Based on a four-year undergraduate course 2. How much would I earn if I choose to work after graduating in high school and not pursue to college (forgone earnings or opportunity costs)? 3. Supposing this current year is 2004 and I have the lump sum amount of equal to the future cost of going to college, what would be its future value if I choose to invest in a bank? 4. What would be the rate of return of investing such amount to college education? General Assumptions    Base year is 2004 (since I will be analyzing it years back) All figures are net of tax and are in PhP (Philippine Peso) The education is pursued in one university only for 4 years

Inflationary Assumptions To construct this study with accuracy, costs and

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