Belfield, Clive R., Milagros Nores, Steve Barnett, and Lawrence Schweinhart. 2006. “The High/Scope Perry Preschool Program: Cost-Benefit Analysis Using Data from the Age-40 Followup.” Journal of Human Resources 41(1): 162–190.
This paper presents an updated cost-benefit analysis of the High/Scope Perry preschool Program, using data on individuals aged 40. Children were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. Program costs are compared against treatment impacts on educational resources, earnings, criminal activity, and welfare receipt. Net present values are calculated for participants, the general public, and society. The treatment group obtains significantly higher earnings. For the general public, higher tax revenues, lower criminal justice system expenditures, and lower welfare payments easily outweigh program costs; they repay $12.90 for every $1 invested. However, program gains come mainly from reduced crime by males.
Clive Belfield is an assistant professor of economics at Queens College, City University of New York. Milagros Nores is a PhD student at Teachers College, Columbia University. Steve Barnett is the director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, Rutgers University. Larry Schweinhart is the president of High/Scope Foundation, Ypsilanti, MI. The data used in this article can be obtained beginning August 2006 through July 2009 from Clive Belfield, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, belfield@qc.edu.