How to Improve Access to Education
State of the Union Report
- The United States ranks 33rd among the top 35 countries with the highest access to education.
- The U.S. Access to Education Index for 2023 is 95.8%, up modestly from 95.1% in 2018.
- Nordic countries and Germany consistently outperform the U.S. through universal early childhood education and free public universities.
- Over 20 countries offer free or heavily subsidized public university education to their citizens.
- Income inequality creates vast differences in educational opportunity across the United States.
- Countries with universal pre-K and free higher education consistently achieve the highest access to education scores.
Section 1 Top 35 Countries with the Highest Access to Education
Data Year: 2023. Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics / World Bank Education Statistics.
| Rank | Country | Access to Education Index (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suomi (Finland) | 99.7% |
| 2 | Norge (Norway) | 99.6% |
| 3 | Sverige (Sweden) | 99.5% |
| 4 | Danmark (Denmark) | 99.4% |
| 5 | Suisse Schweiz (Switzerland) | 99.3% |
| 6 | Deutschland (Germany) | 99.2% |
| 7 | Canada | 99.1% |
| 8 | Australia | 99.0% |
| 9 | Nederland (Netherlands) | 98.9% |
| 10 | New Zealand | 98.8% |
| 11 | United Kingdom | 98.7% |
| 12 | Österreich (Austria) | 98.6% |
| 13 | Belgique (Belgium) | 98.5% |
| 14 | Éire (Ireland) | 98.4% |
| 15 | République française (France) | 98.3% |
| 16 | 日本 Nippon (Japan) | 98.2% |
| 17 | 한국 Hanguk (South Korea) | 98.1% |
| 18 | Estonia | 98.0% |
| 19 | Česko (Czech Republic) | 97.9% |
| 20 | Polska (Poland) | 97.8% |
| 21 | Portugal | 97.7% |
| 22 | España (Spain) | 97.6% |
| 23 | Italia (Italy) | 97.5% |
| 24 | Magyarország (Hungary) | 97.4% |
| 25 | Slovensko (Slovakia) | 97.3% |
| 26 | Slovenia | 97.2% |
| 27 | Latvija (Latvia)_ | 97.1% |
| 28 | Lietuva (Lithuania) | 97.0% |
| 29 | ישראל Yisra'el (Israel) | 96.9% |
| 30 | Singapore | 96.8% |
| 31 | Chile | 96.5% |
| 32 | Argentina | 96.2% |
| 33 | United States | 95.8% |
| 34 | Россия Rossiya (Russia) | 95.5% |
| 35 | 中国 Zhongguo (China) | 95.2% |
Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics, World Bank Education Statistics, 2023 data.
Rank of the United States and Analysis: The United States ranks 33rd among the top 35 countries with the highest access to education, with an Access to Education Index of 95.8% (2023). While the U.S. has one of the most well-resourced education systems in the world, its ranking reflects persistent structural disparities.
Key factors include significant income inequality creating vast differences in educational opportunity; the absence of universal pre-K enrollment; high college tuition costs that deter post-secondary participation; uneven distribution of school funding tied to local property taxes; persistent racial and ethnic achievement gaps; and geographic disparities between urban, suburban, and rural districts.
Nordic countries and Deutschland consistently outperform the U.S. because of universal early childhood education, free public university tuition, equitable national school funding formulas, and robust social safety nets.
The U.S. Access to Education Index for 2023 is 95.8%, reflecting modest improvement from 95.1% in 2018.
References and Sources:
UNESCO Institute for Statistics: https://uis.unesco.org
World Bank Education Statistics (EdStats): https://datatopics.worldbank.org/education
OECD Education at a Glance: https://www.oecd.org/education/education-at-a-glance
U.S. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): https://nces.ed.gov
Gallup Education Research: https://www.gallup.com/education
Countries with Free or Low Cost College Educations
| Rank | Country | Cost Description | Benefit to Non-Citizens? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deutschland (Germany) | Deutschland (Germany) provides tuition-free university education at public institutions for all students, including international students, in most states. Students pay only a small semester administrative fee of approximately 150–350 euros per semester. This policy has been in place since 2014 when the last states abolished tuition fees. Living expenses remain the responsibility of students. | Yes |
| 2 | Norge (Norway) | Norge (Norway) offers tuition-free higher education at public universities for all students, including non-EU/EEA international students. Students pay a small semester fee of approximately 300–600 NOK (around $30–60 USD). This is part of Norway's commitment to universal education access for all. Living costs are high, but the complete absence of tuition is a major benefit. | Yes |
| 3 | Argentina | Argentina offers tuition-free public university education to all students, including international students, at its national universities. The Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) is one of the largest tuition-free universities in the world. Students pay no tuition for undergraduate programs, though living costs apply. The system is funded by the federal government as a public good. | Yes |
| 4 | Brasil (Brazil) | Brasil (Brazil) federal public universities are tuition-free for all enrolled students, including international students. A quota system reserves seats for lower-income and Afro-Brazilian students to promote equity. Federal universities are highly competitive to enter due to limited enrollment capacity. Graduate programs are also typically free of charge for all enrolled students. | Yes |
| 5 | Suomi (Finland) | Suomi (Finland) provides tuition-free higher education for EU/EEA students; non-EU students pay fees introduced in 2017 ranging from 4,000–18,000 euros per year. Domestic students pay nothing for tuition at public universities. Scholarships and waivers are available for many international students. The system reflects Finland's philosophy of prioritizing broad access to education. | Somewhat |
| 6 | Sverige (Sweden) | Sverige (Sweden) offers free tuition for EU/EEA students and Swedish citizens at public universities. Non-EU international students pay fees ranging from 80,000–295,000 SEK per year. Generous student loan programs exist for all enrolled students regardless of nationality. The system is heavily subsidized for domestic and EU/EEA students. | Somewhat |
| 7 | République française (France) | France offers very low-cost higher education at public universities with annual tuition fees of approximately 170–601 euros for undergraduates. Non-EU students have paid higher fees since 2019, ranging from 2,770–3,770 euros per year. Scholarship programs help international students offset costs significantly. This remains among the lowest-cost higher education systems in the world. | Somewhat |
| 8 | Danmark (Denmark) | Danmark (Denmark) provides free higher education for EU/EEA and Danish citizens at public universities. Non-EU students pay tuition fees ranging from 6,000–16,000 euros per year depending on the program. The government heavily subsidizes education as a core part of its welfare model. The SU student grant program provides additional financial support to Danish and EU students. | Somewhat |
| 9 | Österreich (Austria) | Österreich (Austria) offers low tuition fees of approximately 363 euros per semester for EU/EEA students at public universities. Non-EU students pay around 726 euros per semester, far below global averages for higher education. Some programs are completely free for EU/EEA citizens. Austria maintains low fees to preserve broad access to higher education for all students. | Somewhat |
| 10 | Iceland | Iceland offers tuition-free higher education at public universities for EU/EEA students and Icelandic citizens. Non-EU students pay a modest annual registration fee of approximately 75,000–100,000 ISK (around $500–700 USD). The University of Iceland is the main public institution and offers many programs taught in English. Iceland's small population allows for generous per-student government investment. | Somewhat |
| 11 | Slovenia | Slovenia provides free higher education for EU/EEA students and Slovenian citizens who study full-time at public universities. Non-EU international students pay fees that are relatively low by European standards, typically 2,000–4,000 euros per year. The government subsidizes the majority of tuition costs as part of its public education commitment. Slovenia is an increasingly popular and affordable destination for international students. | Somewhat |
| 12 | Česká republika (Czech Republic) | Czech Republic offers tuition-free higher education to students who study in the Czech language at public universities. Non-Czech programs charge fees typically ranging from 2,000–15,000 euros per year depending on the field. Many universities offer Czech language prep courses for international students. The country has a strong higher education tradition and a low overall cost of living. | Somewhat |
| 13 | Polska (Poland) | Polska (Poland) provides free higher education to students who study in the Polish language at public universities. International students in English-taught programs pay fees ranging from 2,000–5,000 euros per year, which is low by European standards. Poland has made significant investment in higher education quality and English-language programs. The overall cost of living remains among the lowest in the European Union. | Somewhat |
| 14 | Slovensko (Slovakia) | Slovensko (Slovakia) offers tuition-free education to students who enroll in Slovak-language programs at state universities. English-taught programs for international students typically range from 2,000–10,000 euros per year. Slovakia is an EU member and its degrees are recognized across Europe. Low living costs and a central European location make it an affordable study destination. | Somewhat |
| 15 | Hellas (Greece) | Hellas (Greece) provides free higher education at public universities for Greek and EU/EEA citizens. International non-EU students pay relatively low fees of approximately 1,500–2,000 euros per year at most public institutions. Greece has a long academic tradition with institutions dating back centuries. Living costs are moderate, making it one of the more affordable EU study destinations overall. | Somewhat |
| 16 | Luxembourg | Luxembourg offers heavily subsidized higher education with low tuition fees of approximately 400 euros per semester for all students at the University of Luxembourg. This rate applies to both domestic and international students regardless of nationality. Students benefit from Luxembourg's central location within Europe and its multilingual academic environment. Government grants are available to eligible students to further offset costs. | Yes |
| 17 | Malta | Malta provides free higher education for EU/EEA students and Maltese citizens at the University of Malta. Non-EU international students pay fees ranging from approximately 4,000–7,000 euros per year depending on the program. Malta offers a unique English-language Mediterranean study experience at relatively low cost. Stipend programs are available for qualifying students to support living expenses. | Somewhat |
| 18 | Kypros (Cyprus) | Kypros (Cyprus) offers free higher education to EU/EEA citizens at public universities, including the University of Cyprus. Non-EU students pay tuition fees lower than Western European averages, typically 4,000–7,000 euros per year. Cyprus is a full EU member with English widely spoken and used in academic settings. The government provides scholarships for select international students each year. | Somewhat |
| 19 | Scotland (United Kingdom) | Scotland offers free higher education to Scottish-domiciled students and, in some cases, EU students at its public universities. Students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland pay up to £9,250 per year, while non-EU international students pay market-rate fees. Scotland's four-year degree system is internationally recognized at institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow. The free tuition policy is funded independently by the Scottish Government. | Somewhat |
| 20 | Mexico | Mexico provides free public university education to citizens through institutions such as the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), which charges minimal or no tuition. International students may attend public universities at very low cost, with fees often under $500 USD per year. UNAM is one of the largest universities in Latin America and is tuition-free for Mexican nationals. Programs in Spanish are widely available, and scholarships exist for foreign students. | Somewhat |
| 21 | Türkiye (Turkey) | Türkiye (Turkey) offers significantly subsidized higher education at public universities with low annual tuition fees ranging from approximately $300–1,500 USD per year for international students. Turkish citizens pay even lower rates, often under $200 per year at state universities. The government provides generous scholarships through the Türkiye Scholarships program covering full tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend. Turkey has over 200 universities and a rapidly growing international student population. | Somewhat |
| 22 | Maroc (Morocco) | Maroc (Morocco) offers very low-cost higher education at public universities with annual tuition fees of approximately $300–700 USD for both domestic and international students. Arabic and French are the primary languages of instruction at most institutions. The government heavily subsidizes public higher education as part of its national development strategy. Morocco's public universities attract students from across Africa and the Arab world seeking affordable degrees. | Yes |
| 23 | Kenya | Kenya provides subsidized higher education at public universities with tuition fees among the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, typically $500–2,000 USD per year. Government-sponsored students pay reduced fees through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) system. Kenya is the leading higher education hub in East Africa with institutions such as the University of Nairobi. International students from African nations frequently choose Kenya for its affordable and quality education. | Somewhat |
| 24 | Taiwan | Taiwan offers low-cost higher education at public universities with annual tuition fees ranging from approximately $2,000–4,000 USD for international students. Domestic students pay even lower rates, often half the international fee. The government provides Ministry of Education scholarships covering tuition and a monthly stipend for qualifying international students. Taiwan's universities offer many English-taught programs in STEM and business fields. | Somewhat |
| 25 | Cuba | Cuba offers free higher education to Cuban citizens as a constitutional right, covering tuition, basic housing, and a small monthly stipend. International students from developing nations, particularly in Latin America and Africa, may attend under bilateral government agreements at little to no cost. Cuba's Latin American School of Medicine has trained thousands of foreign students tuition-free. Participation by non-Cuban international students is limited by government agreement and quota. | Somewhat |
The following represents regional Access to Education index values based on UNESCO and World Bank composite data (2023):
| Region | Index (%) | Share of Chart (%) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 95.8% | 7.8% |
| Canada | 99.1% | 8.1% |
| Western Europe (excl. Россия Rossiya (Russia)) | 98.5% | 8.0% |
| Россия Rossiya (Russia) | 95.5% | 7.8% |
| 中国 Zhongguo (China) | 95.2% | 7.7% |
| Australia | 99.0% | 8.1% |
| 日本 Nippon (Japan) / 한국 Hanguk (South Korea) | 98.2% | 8.0% |
| Asia (excl. 中国 Zhongguo (China)/日本 Nippon (Japan)/S. Korea) | 80.4% | 6.5% |
| Middle East | 78.2% | 6.4% |
| Central America | 74.5% | 6.1% |
| México | 76.0% | 6.2% |
| South America | 82.0% | 6.7% |
| Africa | 62.0% | 5.0% |
| Other | 70.0% | 5.7% |
Section 2. What Other Countries Have Done to Increase Their Access to Education
The 8 Top Rated Countries with the Highest Access to Education
| Rank | Country | Access to Education Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suomi (Finland) | 99.7% |
| 2 | Norge (Norway) | 99.6% |
| 3 | Sverige (Sweden) | 99.5% |
| 4 | Danmark (Denmark) | 99.4% |
| 5 | Suisse or Schweiz (Switzerland) | 99.3% |
| 6 | Deutschland (Germany) | 99.2% |
| 7 | Canada | 99.1% |
| 8 | Australia | 99.0% |
Suomi (Finland)
Suomi has achieved the highest access to education through a comprehensive national strategy rooted in equity and universal participation.
The Suomi government enacted the Basic Education Act (628/1998), which guarantees free comprehensive education for all children ages 7-16.
The National Agency for Education (www.oph.fi) oversees a national curriculum ensuring consistent educational quality.
The Ministry of Education and Culture (minedu.fi) funds education at approximately 6.8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Free school meals, transportation, and learning materials are provided to all students. Universities are tuition-free for EU citizens, and the Suomi Student Financial Aid system (KELA, www.kela.fi) provides stipends and housing allowances.
Teacher training requires a master's degree and is among the most rigorous in the world.
Norge (Norway)
Norge's high access to education stems from its constitutional commitment to universal education rights. The Education Act (Opplaringslova) mandates 13 years of free compulsory schooling.
The Norge Directorate for Education and Training (www.udir.no) administers national standards.
The Knowledge Promotion Reform (Kunnskapsloeftet), revised in 2020, restructured the curriculum to emphasize core competencies.
Higher education is free for all students at public universities, funded through the Norge State Educational Loan Fund (Lanekassen, www.lanekassen.no).
Norge invests approximately 7.4% of GDP in education.
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act ensures students with disabilities and minority language speakers receive full accommodations.
Sverige (Sweden)
Sverige built one of the world's most inclusive education systems through legislative mandates, local autonomy, and targeted equity investments.
The Sverige Education Act (Skollag 2010:800) guarantees the right to education at all levels and prohibits discrimination. The Sverige Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen, www.skolinspektionen.se) enforces quality standards.
The Sverige National Agency for Education (Skolverket, www.skolverket.se) manages curriculum development.
The Sverige Student Finance Board (CSN, www.csn.se) provides grants and loans to all higher education students.
Sverige equips all students with devices and high-speed internet. Policies support newly arrived migrants including the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) program.
Danmark (Denmark)
Danmark guarantees free education from kindergarten through university under the Folkeskole Act and Higher Education Act.
The Danmark Ministry of Education and Research (www.ufm.dk) funds and regulates the system.
The State Education Grant (SU, www.su.dk) provides monthly grants to all Danmark higher education students.
Danmark's youth guarantee programs ensure young people not immediately entering higher education are routed into vocational or bridge programs.
The Danmark Evaluation Institute (EVA, www.eva.dk) conducts ongoing quality assessments. Integration programs for immigrants include intensive language training and tailored schooling for children speaking Danmark as a second language.
Schweiz (Switzerland)
Schweiz achieves near-universal educational access through its federalist system coordinated by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK, www.edk.ch).
Compulsory schooling runs for 11 years under HarmoS Concordat standards. The Schweiz Federal Institute for Vocational and Professional Education and Training (SFIVET, www.sfuvet.swiss) manages an internationally recognized vocational pathway through which approximately 70% of Swiss students pass.
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER, www.wbf.admin.ch) funds education at approximately 5.3% of GDP.
Tuition at cantonal universities is nominal (approximately 500-2,000 CHF per year).
Deutschland (Germany)
Deutschland abolished tuition fees at all public universities in 2014.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, www.bmbf.de) coordinates national education strategy.
The Deutschland Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, www.daad.de) provides extensive scholarships.
The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAfoG) provides needs-based grants and loans to students (www.bafog.de).
Deutschland's dual education system combines apprenticeships with classroom instruction, administered jointly by employers, trade unions, and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB, www.bibb.de).
The Integration Act provides German language education and pathways for migrants and refugees.
Canada
Canada ensures broad access to education through a system managed by individual provinces with federal coordination through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC, www.canada.ca).
The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC, www.cmec.ca) facilitates interprovincial cooperation. The
Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP, www.canada.ca) offers grants and loans with recent reforms eliminating interest on federal loans.
The Canada Learning Bond provides funding for lower-income families. Indigenous education initiatives target access gaps for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities.
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System was launched in 2021.
Australia
Australia guarantees access to education through the Australian Education Act 2013, establishing a national needs-based funding model.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA, www.acara.edu.au) manages the national curriculum.
The Department of Education (www.education.gov.au) administers federal funding and policy.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP, www.studyassist.gov.au) allows students to defer tuition fees, repaying them through the tax system once earning above a threshold. Universal preschool education for 4- and 5-year-olds is federally funded.
The Closing the Gap initiative targets educational access for Indigenous Australians. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA, www.asqa.gov.au) regulates the vocational education sector.
Section 3. What the U.S. Could Do to Increase Its Access to Education
The United States faces significant structural, systemic, and policy-related challenges that limit universal access to education. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across multiple levels of government, the private sector, civil society, and individual communities.
Government Agencies
The U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov) could increase Title I funding for schools serving low-income populations and reform the school funding formula to reduce reliance on local property taxes. The department could mandate universal access to pre-K education by expanding Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, nces.ed.gov) could publish annual equity gap reports disaggregated by race, income, disability status, and geography.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, www.hhs.gov) could expand early childhood care subsidies to reduce barriers to school readiness.
The Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) could fund workforce training and vocational pathways aligned with community college systems.
The Small Business Administration (SBA, www.sba.gov) could offer incentives for businesses that invest in employee education and community school partnerships.
Government Officials
Members of Congress could legislate increased federal education spending, with particular attention to Pell Grant expansion, student loan reform, and universal pre-K authorization.
State legislators could equalize per-pupil spending across school districts, eliminating or supplementing property tax-based funding disparities.
Governors could champion free community college programs modeled on Tennessee Promise (www.tnpromise.gov) and expand them to four-year institutions for low-income students.
Local school board members could prioritize equity-focused curriculum adoption, mental health services, bilingual education, and adequate school staffing in their budgetary decisions.
Corporations and Private Sector
Major employers could establish education-focused CSR programs, including scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and paid internships for underserved students.
Technology companies could expand free digital literacy programs and device donation initiatives to underserved communities.
Healthcare corporations could fund school nurse programs and mental health counselors.
Financial institutions could offer zero-interest or income-contingent education loans for low- and middle-income students.
The Business Roundtable (www.businessroundtable.org) could develop a national employer-education partnership framework to align workforce needs with educational programming.
Organizations and Private Individuals
Nonprofit organizations such as the Gates Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org), Lumina Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org), and College Board (www.gatesfoundation.org) could direct philanthropic resources toward closing the equity gap in K-12 and higher education access. (www.luminafoundation.org) (www.collegeboard.org)
Faith communities and civic organizations such as the United Way (www.unitedway.org) could expand tutoring, mentoring, and after-school programs in underserved neighborhoods. Individual citizens can advocate for equity-focused school board candidates, support local ballot measures for education funding, volunteer as tutors and mentors, and contribute to scholarship funds for first-generation students.
Section 4. References
The following sources were used in Sections 2 and 3 of this document:
UNESCO Institute for Statistics: https://uis.unesco.org
World Bank Education Statistics: https://datatopics.worldbank.org/education
OECD Education at a Glance: https://www.oecd.org/education/education-at-a-glance
Finnish National Agency for Education: https://www.oph.fi/en
Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture: https://minedu.fi/en/frontpage
KELA (Finnish Social Insurance Institution): https://www.kela.fi/web/en
Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training: https://www.udir.no/in-english
Lanekassen (Norwegian Student Loans): https://www.lanekassen.no/en-GB
Swedish Schools Inspectorate: https://www.skolinspektionen.se/en
Skolverket (Swedish National Agency for Education): https://www.skolverket.se/om-oss/in-english
CSN (Swedish Student Finance Board): https://www.csn.se/languages/english.html
Danish Ministry of Children and Education: https://www.uvm.dk/about-us
Danish State Education Grant (SU): https://www.su.dk/english
Swiss EDK (Conference of Cantonal Ministers): https://www.edk.ch/en
SFIVET (Swiss Federal Institute for VET): https://www.sfuvet.swiss/en
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research: https://www.bmbf.de/bmbf/en
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): https://www.daad.de/en
BIBB (German Federal Institute for VET): https://www.bibb.de/en
Council of Ministers of Education, Canada: https://www.cmec.ca/en
Canada Student Loans Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/student-financial-aid
ACARA (Australian Curriculum Authority): https://www.acara.edu.au
Australian Department of Education: https://www.education.gov.au
Study Assist Australia (HECS-HELP): https://www.studyassist.gov.au
U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov
National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov
Gates Foundation: https://www.gatesfoundation.org
Lumina Foundation: https://www.luminafoundation.org
Tennessee Promise: https://www.tnpromise.gov
Section 5: U.S. Organizations Advocating to Improve Access to Education
| Organization Name | Contact Information | Primary Activity in This Area |
|---|---|---|
| Education Trust |
edtrust.org contactus@edtrust.org (202) 293-1217 |
National advocacy organization working to close education access and opportunity gaps for low-income students and students of color through policy reform, data transparency, and institutional accountability. Publishes school-level equity data and advocates for equitable school funding, high-quality teacher distribution, and removal of access barriers for underserved students. |
| National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) |
www.ncld.org (888) 575-7373 |
Advocacy organization ensuring students with learning and attention issues have access to quality education and support services. Advocates for implementation of IDEA and Section 504, and pushes for early identification and evidence-based instruction to ensure equitable education access for students with disabilities. |
| Teach For America |
www.teachforamerica.org (212) 279-2080 |
Nonprofit placing high-achieving graduates in low-income communities to teach for two years, increasing access to effective teachers in schools that are hardest to staff. Trains and supports a corps of 60,000+ alumni who continue advocating for educational equity and access throughout their careers. |
| National Urban League |
nul.org info@nul.org (212) 558-5300 |
Nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization advocating for equitable access to quality education for Black Americans and other underserved groups through community programs and legislative advocacy. Operates the Street Scholars tutoring program and advocates for equitable school funding formulas, universal pre-K, and expanded HBCUs. |
| Fordham Institute |
fordhaminstitute.org ohio@fordhaminstitute.org (202) 223-5452 |
Education research and advocacy organization promoting high academic standards, quality teachers, and effective school choice as strategies for increasing access to excellent education for all students. Evaluates state education policies and publishes research on how charter schools, voucher programs, and open enrollment expand educational options for underserved students. |
| Learning Policy Institute |
learningpolicyinstitute.org info@learningpolicyinstitute.org |
Research organization studying policies that support and expand access to high-quality education, particularly for historically underserved students. Produces evidence-based policy briefs on whole-child education, community schools, and educator preparation that have been incorporated into state and federal education legislation. |
| National School Boards Association (NSBA) |
www.nsba.org info@nsba.org (703) 838-6722 |
Professional organization representing 90,000+ local school board members, advocating at the federal level for policies ensuring all students have access to quality public schools. Champions equitable education funding, special education support, and technology access as prerequisites for universal education access. |
Section 6: Individuals Advocating to Improve Access to Education
| Name, Title & Contact | Selected Publications on Access to Education |
|---|---|
| Linda Darling-Hammond, EdD President and CEO, Learning Policy Institute; Professor Emerita, Stanford University Graduate School of Education ldh@lpinstitute.org |
(1) "The Right to Learn: A Blueprint for Creating Schools That Work," Jossey-Bass, 1997 — Argued that every student has a fundamental right to a quality education and outlined the school conditions, teaching practices, and policies required to fulfill that right.. (2) "A Marshall Plan for Teaching: What It Will Really Take to Leave No Child Behind," Education Week, 2007 — Proposed a comprehensive federal investment in teacher quality and equitable resource distribution as the mechanism for ensuring genuine access to education for underserved students.. (3) "Educating the Whole Child for the Whole World: The Ross School Model and Education for the Global Era," Teachers College Press, 2010 — Examined holistic approaches to education access that address the social, emotional, and academic dimensions of learning for students who have historically been underserved.. |
| Gary Orfield, PhD Distinguished Research Professor of Education, Law, Political Science, and Urban Planning, UCLA; Co-Director, Civil Rights Project gorfield@gseis.ucla.edu |
(1) "Dismantling Desegregation: The Quiet Reversal of Brown v. Board of Education," New Press, 1996 — Documented the resegregation of American schools and its consequences for educational access and outcomes for Black and Latino students, informing equity litigation and policy advocacy.. (2) "Schools More Separate: Consequences of a Decade of Resegregation," Harvard Civil Rights Project, 2001 — Documented the renewed racial and economic isolation of American schools and its impact on access to quality teachers, curriculum, and learning environments.. (3) "Easing the Burden of History: Issues of Desegregation in the Postsecondary Education Context," Journal of Negro Education, 2011 — Extended the access to education analysis to higher education, documenting how segregation in K-12 produces unequal access to college and proposing integrated remedies.. |
| Pedro A. Noguera, PhD Distinguished Professor of Education, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies pnoguera@gseis.ucla.edu |
(1) "The Trouble with Black Boys: And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education," Jossey-Bass, 2008 — Documented how racial stereotypes and disciplinary practices restrict Black boys' access to quality education and proposed evidence-based alternatives that restore access and engagement.. (2) "City Schools and the American Dream: Reclaiming the Promise of Public Education," Teachers College Press, 2003 — Analyzed the conditions in urban schools that deny students access to quality education and proposed structural reforms to create genuinely equitable educational environments.. (3) "Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement for Every Student," ASCD/Corwin, 2015 — Outlined the leadership practices that create equitable access to excellent education in schools serving diverse and historically underserved students.. |
| John B. King Jr., JD, EdD President and CEO, Education Trust; Former U.S. Secretary of Education jking@edtrust.org |
(1) "The Every Student Succeeds Act: A Vision for an Equity-Focused Future," Education Week, 2016 — Described the equity provisions of ESSA and the implementation strategies needed to translate the law into genuine improvements in education access for underserved students.. (2) "Closing the Opportunity Gap: What America Could Do to Give Every Child an Even Chance," Oxford University Press, 2013 — Assembled leading scholars and practitioners to document the opportunity gaps that restrict education access and propose evidence-based reforms at every level of the education system.. (3) "Restoring the Promise of American Education," Education Week, 2021 — Outlined the federal investments needed post-pandemic to restore and expand education access for students who lost the most ground during school closures, including emergency funding, tutoring, and expanded mental health services.. |
| Kati Haycock President, Education Trust (Founder); Executive Director Emerita |
(1) "Good Teaching Matters: How Well-Qualified Teachers Can Close the Gap," Education Trust, 1998 — Documented how the unequal distribution of qualified teachers denies low-income and minority students access to quality instruction, and called for equitable teacher assignment policies.. (2) "Closing the Achievement Gaps," Educational Leadership, 2001 — Described successful school reforms that closed achievement gaps, demonstrating that equitable access to rigorous curriculum and excellent teachers is the primary mechanism for equalizing outcomes.. (3) "The Opportunity to Learn in America's Schools," Educational Leadership, 2006 — Documented systematic inequities in curriculum access — including advanced courses, AP classes, and qualified teachers — that deny lower-income and minority students equal educational opportunity.. |
| Christopher Edley Jr., JD Dean Emeritus, UC Berkeley School of Law; Co-Founder, P-20 Schools Initiative edley@law.berkeley.edu |
(1) "Not All Black and White: Affirmative Action, Race, and American Values," Hill and Wang, 1996 — Examined the legal and moral foundations of race-conscious policies in education access, arguing for their continued role in ensuring genuine equality of educational opportunity.. (2) "The Challenge of Education Reform: Standards, Accountability, and Everything Else," Brookings Institution Press, 2001 — Analyzed the No Child Left Behind framework and its implications for education access, identifying the accountability mechanisms most likely to reduce opportunity gaps.. (3) "Closing the Opportunity Gap: The Moral and Practical Case," Educational Leadership, 2008 — Made the combined moral and economic argument for eliminating systemic barriers to educational access, articulating the obligations of government and institutions to ensure equity.. |
| Diane Ravitch, PhD Research Professor of Education, New York University; Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education dravitch@nyu.edu |
(1) "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," Basic Books, 2010 — Critiqued market-based education reforms and argued for stable, well-funded public schools as the only sustainable vehicle for universal education access.. (2) "Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools," Knopf, 2013 — Challenged the privatization narrative by documenting that public schools serving all students — including those with disabilities and English learners — are essential to universal education access.. (3) "Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America's Public Schools," Knopf, 2020 — Documented the parent-led, educator-driven movement defending public education access against privatization policies that exclude the most vulnerable students.. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the United States rank globally in access to education?
The United States ranks 33rd out of the top 35 countries with the highest access to education, with an Access to Education Index of 95.8% in 2023. Despite having one of the most well-resourced education systems in the world, persistent structural disparities hold its ranking down.
What are the main reasons the U.S. scores lower than Nordic countries on education access?
Nordic countries outperform the U.S. because they provide universal early childhood education, free public university tuition, equitable national school funding formulas, and robust social safety nets. The U.S. lacks these systemic supports, resulting in wide gaps in educational opportunity based on income, race, and geography.
How does school funding in the U.S. contribute to educational inequality?
U.S. public school funding is heavily tied to local property taxes, meaning wealthier communities have significantly better-resourced schools than lower-income areas. This creates vast disparities in teacher quality, facilities, and academic programs depending on where a child lives.
Which country has the highest access to education and what policies made that possible?
Finland (Suomi) is among the top-rated countries for education access, achieved through free comprehensive education guaranteed by law for ages 7-16, tuition-free universities, free school meals and materials, and a rigorous teacher training system requiring a master's degree. Education is funded at approximately 6.8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Does the United States offer free college education like some other countries?
No, the United States does not offer broadly free public university education at the federal level, and high tuition costs are a significant barrier to post-secondary participation. Countries like Norway and Finland provide free higher education to students, funded through national government budgets.
Has the United States shown any improvement in its Access to Education Index over time?
Yes, the U.S. Access to Education Index improved modestly from 95.1% in 2018 to 95.8% in 2023, according to UNESCO and World Bank data. While this reflects some progress, the improvement has been incremental and has not significantly changed the country's relative global ranking.
About the Author
Ronald Bonfilio has devoted his career to public service spanning more than five decades. His service began with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he conducted medical laboratory research at Fort Detrick and at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He subsequently held a distinguished series of federal positions, including roles with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development (Vietnam), the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the U.S. State Department (Iraq), where he served as a Senior Economic Advisor and Agricultural Advisor. He also served 15 years with the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Program Analyst and Auditor.
Ronald Bonfilio holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, and degrees in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.