Nice graphic on how much we spend educating each student in the US. My conclusion: We either spend too much, not enough, or it is just right. Confused? See why here...

Fact is, we know how much we SPEND on each student, but do we know how much is actually COSTS to educate each student?  Fundamentally different questions.

According to the graph below, in 1995 spending per student was approx $8,600 and in 2010 it was approx. $11,600 per student. That is an increase of 35% ($11,600 minus $8,600 = $3,000. $3,000/$8,600 X 100 = 35%) in 15 years. 

Source: Carpe Diem

 This is well above inflation during this period AND well above the percentage increase in the number of students from 1995 to 2010.  In 1995 there were 44,840,481 students in US public schools and in 2010 there were 49,373,307 students. That is a 10% increase in the number of students since 1995 (Data from HERE). 

A 35% increase in spending per student and a student population growth of only 10% in 15 years.

I really don't think we spend too little on primary and secondary education in the US. I just think collectively we make really bad decisions on how we allocate that money. Something about priorities being misplaced.  But that is just me...