Analysis of cost of education and academic performance in Public and Private Schools in Bhaktapur, district

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the cost of education and academic performance in public and private schools in Nepal. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study analyzes direct cost components and its impact on student academic outcomes. The research focuses on both the financial expenditures by the government and the private costs incurred by students and their families. Significant disparities in educational expenditures and academic achievements between public and private institutions are highlighted. Public schools, often constrained by limited resources and government funding, exhibit lower academic performance compared to private schools, which benefit from better funding, infrastructure, and resources. Data collection involved surveys and statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and weighted mean analyses, to explore the correlation between educational investment and student performance. The findings indicate that higher investment in education correlates with improved academic results. In particular, private schools, with their ability to allocate more resources per student, consistently outperform public schools in key academic indicators. The impact of the new federal government system and recent educational policies, including the School Education Examination (SEE) reforms and the introduction of the letter grading system, are also examined. The thesis concludes with policy recommendations aimed at reducing the performance gap between public and private schools. It suggests increased investment and resource allocation to public schools, improving teacher training, and enhancing learning materials to uplift educational outcomes. This research contributes to the understanding of educational economics in Nepal, offering valuable insights for policymakers to improve the quality of education across different school types and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.