Authors: Wisnu Setiadi Nugroho, PhD. & Jamilatuzzahro, M,Si
Global efforts to build equitable communities and ensure true education for all remain complex, primarily due to economic factors. One of the most significant barriers is the rising cost of education, with escalating tuition fees and student debt becoming substantial burdens for many students and their families.
In Indonesia, educational completion rates improved significantly across all socioeconomic groups and education levels from 2015 to 2021. According to Susenas, primary education completion for the lowest socioeconomic group rose from 85.33% to 95.04%, junior secondary from 65.93% to 83.59%, and senior secondary from 28.62% to 48.43%. The highest socioeconomic group also saw notable increases, with primary education completion rising from 96.99% to 98.50%, junior secondary from 91.42% to 92.48%, and senior secondary from 76.97% to 81.81%. These improvements are expected to drive demand for universities to provide higher-quality education that is also affordable, as more students reach higher education levels.