The return on investment (ROI) from adult education and training: measuring the economic impact of a better educated and trained US workforce

The current sharp focus on deficit reduction in Washington DC, and in state capitals around the country obscures the very real economic benefits US society derives from its public investment in adult education and workforce development programs. [The authors argue that] it is important to keep in mind - especially during tough economic times - that a preemptive focus on adult education actually saves governments money by reducing societal healthcare, public assistance, and incarceration costs. Adult education also improves and expands the nation's available pool of human capital by helping motivated but under educated people achieve gainful employment in today's increasingly high-tech and global job market, and at a far lower cost per learner when compared to either K-12 or higher education. As a result, adult education and career training is potentially one of the most cost-effective tools the nation has to recover its economic health in the aftermath of the 'Great Recession'.

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