An economic analysis of private and public schooling in Uzbekistan: affordability, investment, and labor market outcomes
Abstract
The article presents an economic comparison of Uzbekistan’s dual education system, public and private schools. Based on surveys of 400 households in the country’s principal cities conducted in 2024, the study establishes a deep-seated economic difference between the two systems. The average household income for private schools has been placed at 14.5 million thirds, more than double the figure for public schools at 6.8 million thirds. The share of education expenditure in total household income in private schools is 26.2%, compared to 13.2% in public schools. The findings show that 55 percent of the households in public schools and 70 percent of the households in private schools incur additional expenditure on supplementary education. The paper concludes that the existing economic inequality not only limits access to a quality education, but also works to reinforce social and economic inequalities.