Looking At Education as an Investment and Its ROI for every $1.
- pritimama .
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Economic Return per Dollar Invested
Studies from Statistics Canada and Alberta’s own education reports consistently show:
Every $1 invested in education generates between $6 and $9 in economic returns over time.
That includes higher earnings, business growth, lower unemployment benefits, and reduced social spending.
Educated people earn more, pay more in income and property taxes, and rely less on public assistance — all of which cycle back into the system.
Source examples:
Statistics Canada, “Education Indicators in Canada” (2023)
Alberta Treasury Board & Finance long-term fiscal outlook reports
Higher Productivity and Employment
Each additional year of schooling increases a person’s lifetime earnings by roughly 8–10%.
Alberta’s post-secondary and skilled-trades graduates contribute billions annually to GDP.
When more people work, the province collects more tax revenue — reducing pressure on all taxpayers.
In simple terms: Education is Alberta’s best job creation strategy.
Savings on Crime and Social Costs
Research from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Public Safety Canada shows that:
A 1% increase in high school graduation rates can save $150–200 million nationally in crime-related costs.
People with a high school diploma or higher are 50% less likely to be incarcerated.
That means less spent on policing, courts, and prisons — which helps keep municipal and provincial taxes lower.
Public Health Returns
A well-educated population leads to lower healthcare costs.
People with higher education levels are more likely to engage in preventive health care and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Health Canada estimates that a 10% rise in education attainment levels can reduce public health costs by 3–5% over a decade.
Property and Community Value
In Calgary, homes in strong school catchments can sell for 5–15% more, even for homeowners without children.
Maintaining strong schools protects your neighbourhood’s stability and property investment.
Civic and Social ROI
Educated citizens volunteer more, vote more, and contribute more to civic organizations.
This builds social capital — the trust and engagement that make communities safer, friendlier, and more functional.
Summary Table
For every $1 you contribute in education taxes, Alberta’s economy likely sees $6–$9 in benefits, and you indirectly save money through lower crime, better health, and stronger property values.
