THE EXTENT TO WHICH HIGHER EDUCATION IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT TO INDIVIDUAL GRADUATES AND TO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE IN UGANDA

Abstract

This paper discusses investment in higher education from an individual
graduate and societal perspectives. It reflects a rationale for an investment in
higher education and it is intended to guide education investment decisions by
individuals and society. The objectives of the study are: ( 1) How does an individual
graduate benefit from higher education investment? (2) How does investment in
higher education benefit society? Literature indicates how investment in higher
education is vital and this explains the need for this study. In this regard our
study focused on five individual graduates who had completed their Masters
degrees and Doctorates from Makerere University and St. Lawrence Universities
and three community leaders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and
analyzed in depth from the individual students and some societal members.
The benefits for individual investment in higher education is presented and the
benefits of higher education investment to society is reflected.
Keywords: Higher education, Investment, Benefits, Individual graduates,
Society.