Wednesday, 8 March 2017

The Straits Times

This was an article contribution by Dr Kelvin Seah Kah Cheng from the Department of Economics at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in which he shared his views on what one should consider when deciding whether to get a degree or start work. He discussed broadly two considerations, namely the costs and benefits of attending university, which should be considered when making such a life decision. He also cited a study by Ms Audrey Low and her colleagues from Monetary Authority Singapore in 2004 which found that the earnings of more educated workers in Singapore rise at a faster rate than those of less educated workers, as work experience increases, suggesting that the salary gains from having a degree are not only a long-term but also an increasing one. Dr Seah added that the decision-making framework applies not just to university enrolment but to other types of training and education programmes as well.

The article is part of a monthly series “Ask: NUS Economists” by the NUS Department of Economics. Each month, a panel will address a topical issue.

Click here to read the article.