Closing the education gap between the nation’s rich and poor students could significantly boost the economy and government revenue, the Washington Center for Equitable Growth reports in a new study.

The study cites data from a 2012 academic assessment given by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development showing that the United States performed poorly when compared to other developed countries, ranking below average in mathematics and average in science and reading.

According to the study, if the United States boosted education outcomes for poorer students so that its average score reached the average for all developed nations — roughly equivalent to France — gross domestic product would increase 1.7 percent by 2050. That’s a $2.5 trillion increase — or an average of $72 billion extra per year. Federal, local and state revenue would increase by $900 billion.

Government investment in education will pay for itself many times over, the study’s authors concluded.

Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 3
Time, Feb. 3