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The Rate of Return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program

Author

Listed:
  • James J. Heckman

    (Department of Economics, University of Chicago)

  • Seong Hyeok Moon

    (Department of Economics, University of Chicago)

  • Rodrigo Pinto

    (Department of Economics, University of Chicago)

  • Peter A. Savelyev

    (Department of Economics, University of Chicago)

  • Adam Yavitz

    (Economic Research Center, University of Chicago)

Abstract

This paper estimates the rate of return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program, an early intervention program targeted toward disadvantaged African-American youth. Estimates of the rate of return to the Perry program are widely cited to support the claim of substantial economic benefits from preschool education programs. Previous studies of the rate of return to this program ignore the compromises that occurred in the randomization protocol. They do not report standard errors. The rates of return estimated in this paper account for these factors. We conduct an extensive analysis of sensitivity to alternative plausible assumptions. Estimated social rates of return generally fall between 7–10 percent, with most estimates substantially lower than those previously reported in the literature. However, returns are generally statistically significantly different from zero for both males and females and are above the historical return on equity. Estimated benefit-to-cost ratios support this conclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • James J. Heckman & Seong Hyeok Moon & Rodrigo Pinto & Peter A. Savelyev & Adam Yavitz, 2009. "The Rate of Return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program," Working Papers 200936, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucd:wpaper:200936
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    JEL classification:

    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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