Costa Rica
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Costa Rica
Overview of the education system (EAG 2025)
  • The share of 25-34 year-olds without upper secondary declined from 46% to 34% between 2019 and 2024, though it remains far above the OECD average of 13%.
  • Unemployment patterns diverge from OECD norms: 9.4% without upper secondary are unemployed, compared to 8.1% with upper secondary and 8.3% with tertiary attainment.
  • Wage gaps are exceptionally wide: 19% between those with and without upper secondary, and 99% between upper secondary and tertiary graduates, both exceeding OECD averages.
  • Field distribution shows a low STEM share, with only 18% of bachelor’s graduates in STEM, compared to 34% in business, administration and law, and 8% in arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information.
  • In Costa Rica, government expenditure per tertiary student is USD 16,922, above the OECD average of USD 15,102.
    • | Education at a Glance 2025 | Country note | Annexes from Education at a Glance 2025 | OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics 2018 | Ministerio de Educación Pública de la República de Costa Rica (Ministry of Public Education, in Spanish) |

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    The following list displays indicators for which your selected country shows the highest and lowest values among countries. The list can be sorted by level of education or by age group. All rankings are calculated including available data from OECD and partner countries. Find out more about the methodology here.

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    Attainment

    The level of below upper secondary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (33.9 %, rank 4/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (31 %, rank 29/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of below upper secondary attainment among 25-64 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (51.7 %, rank 3/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary attainment among 25-64 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (20.5 %, rank 38/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-64 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (27.8 %, rank 34/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (35.1 %, rank 34/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 55-64 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (19.5 %, rank 31/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-olds who have attained a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary qualification is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.7 %, rank 35/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-olds who have attained a general upper secondary or post-secondary qualification is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.8 %, rank 10/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Costa Rica has one of the lowest percentages of 25-64 year-olds whose highest education level is a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree. (2.9 %, rank 32/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-olds who attained a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (0 %, rank 32/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of below upper secondary attainment among 55-64 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (66.2 %, rank 3/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education attainment among 55-64 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14.3 %, rank 38/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-34 year-olds who have attained a vocational degree at the upper secondary or post-secondary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.9 %, rank 33/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-34 year-olds who have attained a general degree at the upper secondary or post-secondary level is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28 %, rank 5/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The level of short-cycle tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.6 %, rank 7/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (1.3 %, rank 35/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Attainment by gender

    The proportion of 25-64 year-old men who have attained a general degree at the tertiary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (26.2 %, rank 31/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-old women who have attained a general degree at the tertiary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (29.3 %, rank 34/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-old women who have attained a vocational degree at the upper secondary or post-secondary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.6 %, rank 35/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old women who have attained tertiary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (37.3 %, rank 37/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 35-44 year-old women who have attained tertiary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (33.1 %, rank 36/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Costa Rica has one of the smallest shares of 25-64 year-old men whose highest education level is a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree. (2.5 %, rank 33/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Costa Rica has one of the smallest shares of 25-64 year-old women whose highest education level is a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree. (3.4 %, rank 32/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men who attained below upper secondary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (37.9 %, rank 4/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old women who attained below upper secondary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (30 %, rank 4/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old men who attained below upper secondary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (53.9 %, rank 3/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old women who attained below upper secondary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (49.5 %, rank 4/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men who attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (29.3 %, rank 36/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men who attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (19.9 %, rank 38/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old women who attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.2 %, rank 37/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 55-64 year-old men who attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14.5 %, rank 38/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 55-64 year-old women who attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14.1 %, rank 37/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Costa Rica has one of the largest share of women among 25-34 year-olds with a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education. (48.5 %, rank 4/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of 25-34 year-old women who have attained a short cycle tertiary degree is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data (12.5 %, rank 6/26 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of 25-34 year-old men who have attained a short cycle tertiary degree is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data (12.6 %, rank 8/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among countries with available data. (53.9 %, rank 4/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (46.1 %, rank 34/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (51.5 %, rank 32/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Attainment by field of education

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (11 %, rank 27/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (1.4 %, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (11.1 %, rank 26/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (20 %, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Entrance

    The share of female students entering bachelor's programmes in Costa Rica is relatively small. (52.7 %, rank 34/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering doctoral or equivalent programmes in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (45 %, rank 37/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the average age of new entrants in short-cycle programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.5 Years, rank 31/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of first-time entrants into master's or equivalent programmes before the age of 30 is relatively low. (46.8 %, rank 36/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of first-time entrants into doctorate's or equivalent programmes before the age of 30 is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5 %, rank 41/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the average age of new entrants in master's programmes is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (32.3 Years, rank 4/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The proportion of women among the new entrants in master's programmes in Costa Rica is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (51.8 %, rank 40/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Entrance by field of education and gender

    Female new entrants to bachelor’s programmes in arts and humanities placed Costa Rica among the smallest across countries. (57.6 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female new entrants to bachelor’s programmes in social sciences, journalism and information was among the smallest internationally. (56.1 %, rank 37/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In social sciences, journalism and information, female new entrants to doctoral programmes placed Costa Rica among the smallest internationally. (42.9 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female new entrants to master’s programmes in business, administration and law was among the smallest across countries. (38.7 %, rank 37/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In social sciences, journalism and information, female new entrants to master’s programmes were among the smallest across countries with available data. (20 %, rank 38/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (67.3 %, rank 34/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of arts and humanities is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (57.5 %, rank 35/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (55.9 %, rank 35/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (46.7 %, rank 34/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (38.6 %, rank 1/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (66.5 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively small. (20 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of male among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of information and communication technologies is relatively small. (0 %, rank 35/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica,the share of male among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is relatively small. (50 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (66.9 %, rank 39/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (44.5 %, rank 35/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in health and welfare in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (61.7 %, rank 34/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in information and communication technologies in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (13.3 %, rank 36/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering short cycle tertiary programmes in education in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (59.9 %, rank 20/23 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (62.1 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (54.5 %, rank 37/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering short-cycle tertiary programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (59.9 %, rank 31/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering short-cycle tertiary programmes in information and communication technologies in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (67.8 %, rank 28/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering short-cycle tertiary programmes in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Costa Rica is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (62.4 %, rank 31/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Participation in education

    Enrolment in early childhood education (ISCED 0) among 3- to 5-year-olds placed Costa Rica among the lowest across countries. (70.7 %, rank 33/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among students aged 3 to 5, enrolment in early childhood educational development (ISCED 01) was among the highest in Costa Rica compared to other countries. (2 %, rank 6/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of children under age 3 in ECEC (ISCED 01) was one of the lowest across participating countries. (2.5 %, rank 30/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among 15-19 year-olds in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (59.7 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of three-year-olds in early childhood education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.2 %, rank 41/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of four-year-olds in early childhood and primary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the enrolment rate of children under 3 is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.5 %, rank 35/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of students enrolled in programmes providing full completion and access to tertiary education among all students enrolled in upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average age of lower secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes in Costa Rica is one of the lowest compared to other countries with available data. (13.4 %, rank 20/21 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Costa Rica has one of the largest shares of lower secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes. (20.1 %, rank 2/22 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among students aged 15-19 in upper secondary programmes in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (40.9 %, rank 43/47 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among students aged 15-19 in upper secondary general programmes in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (26.6 %, rank 39/47 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of two-year-olds in early childhood education in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.3 %, rank 37/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of four-year-olds in primary education in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 7/46 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation

    The average age of graduates from general programmes at the upper secondary level in Costa Rica is comparatively high. (20.2 Years, rank 3/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average age of graduates from vocational programmes at the upper secondary level in Costa Rica is comparatively low. (18.4 Years, rank 30/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation by gender

    The share of female graduates from upper secondary general programmes is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (54.6 %, rank 3/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female graduates from upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (52.1 %, rank 8/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.9 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.9 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (36.2 %, rank 3/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.5 %, rank 39/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (8.5 %, rank 40/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of health and welfare is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (11 %, rank 37/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of arts and humaties in Costa Rica is relatively small. (2.3 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in Costa Rica is relatively small. (13 %, rank 36/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction in Costa Rica is relatively small. (4.6 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of health and welfare in Costa Rica is relatively small. (0 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary vocational graduates in the field of business, aministration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (42.1 %, rank 1/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary vocational graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.9 %, rank 28/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary vocational graduates in the field of health and welfare is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 32/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of tertiary graduates in STEM fields placed Costa Rica among the smallest internationally. (17.1 %, rank 42/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary vocational graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5 %, rank 1/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary vocational graduates in the field of STEM is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4 %, rank 8/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary vocational graduates in the field of health and welfare is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 32/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of short-cycle tertiary vocational graduates in the field of business, administration and law is relatively high compared to other OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (4 %, rank 4/37 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of bachelor's, master's and doctoral or equivalent graduates in the field of arts and humanities is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 40/45 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of bachelor's, master's and doctoral or equivalent graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4 %, rank 1/44 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education and gender

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries. (27.5 %, rank 2/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in the humanities and arts is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries. (3.2 %, rank 42/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in health and welfare is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries. (13.5 %, rank 38/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in social sciences, business and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries. (36.1 %, rank 4/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.8 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female tertiary graduates in the field of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10.7 %, rank 35/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of education is relatively high in Costa Rica. (21.6 %, rank 1/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is relatively small. (2.4 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively small. (3.7 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of male tertiary graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (36.3 %, rank 4/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is relatively low in Costa Rica. (25.3 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in all fields is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (55.7 %, rank 36/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (61.5 %, rank 43/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the fields of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (38 %, rank 3/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the fields of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (68.3 %, rank 40/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Fields of education

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to tertiary education in the field of health and welfare is relatively low. (4.1 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of new entrants to tertiary education in STEM fields ranked among the largest across countries with available data. (31.3 %, rank 7/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of new entrants in short-cycle tertiary programmes in field of health and welfare is relatively small. (0 %, rank 30/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 36/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of arts and humanities is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 37/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of business, administration and law is relatively high, compared to other countries with available data. (25 %, rank 2/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of education is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 36/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (10 %, rank 33/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of health and welfare is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 36/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively high. (25 %, rank 10/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively high, compared to other countries with available data. (35 %, rank 1/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of new entrants in social sciences, journalism and information master's programmes is relatively low, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.3 %, rank 38/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of new entrants in business, administration and law master's programmes is relatively low, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (14 %, rank 37/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of new entrants in Services master's programmes is comparatively low among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 36/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of new entrants in health and welfare bachelor's programmes is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (4.8 %, rank 39/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure in education and national wealth

    In Costa Rica, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively high. (3.6 %, rank 9/44 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary to tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively high. (4.9 %, rank 7/44 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Government and private expenditure in education

    The share of private expenditure on tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (8 %, rank 35/40 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The share of public expenditure on tertiary educational institutions is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3.2 %, rank 10/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, total public expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of total public expenditure is comparatively high. (12.2 %, rank 8/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, total public expenditure on primary educational institutions as a percentage of total public expenditure is comparatively high. (4.4 %, rank 9/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, total public expenditure on secondary educational institutions as a percentage of total public expenditure is comparatively high. (4.6 %, rank 10/40 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, international expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of total expenditure on tertiary education is relatively low. (0 %, rank 28/31 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for tertiary education is comparatively large in Costa Rica. (91.9 %, rank 2/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Nature of expenditure

    In Costa Rica, the share of capital expenditure on tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.7 %, rank 29/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of current expenditure on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (94.3 %, rank 8/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Who the teachers are

    The share of women among teaching staff in lower secondary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (57.7 %, rank 34/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary teachers younger than 30 is especially low. (6.8 %, rank 35/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers younger than 30 is especially low. (7 %, rank 31/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers aged between 30 and 49 is especially high. (69.8 %, rank 1/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of lower secondary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (19.9 %, rank 34/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of upper secondary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (19.9 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (23.2 %, rank 34/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers younger than 30 in primary education is especially low in Costa Rica. (67.7 %, rank 37/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers under 30 in lower secondary education is especially low in Costa Rica. (53.4 %, rank 35/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Females under 30 represent a small proportion of teachers in upper secondary education in Costa Rica. (53.4 %, rank 34/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of female teachers younger than 30 in tertiary education is relatively small . (46.6 %, rank 33/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in lower secondary education is especially low in Costa Rica. (56.6 %, rank 32/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of tertiary teachers aged between 30 and 49 is relatively high, compared to other countries with data available. (63.9 %, rank 1/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of tertiary teachers older than 50 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (32.5 %, rank 29/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of tertiary teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (3.5 %, rank 28/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of teachers under 30 in early childhood educational development is especially low in Costa Rica. (6.6 %, rank 19/19 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of women among teaching staff in early childhood educational development is one of the lowest, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (83.6 %, rank 21/21 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of teachers under 30 in pre-primary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.1 %, rank 32/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of teachers aged between 30 and 49 in pre-primary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (67.3 %, rank 1/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In upper secondary education, the percentage of teachers aged 50 or more is particularly low in Costa Rica. (20.1 %, rank 31/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of upper secondary general education teachers aged between 30 and 49 is relatively high, compared to the other countries with available data. (72.4 %, rank 1/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of upper secondary vocational education teachers aged 50 or more is relatively low, compared to the other countries with available data. (19.5 %, rank 30/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of teachers aged between 30 and 49 in upper secondary vocational education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (73.8 %, rank 1/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries

    After 15 years of experience, a lower secondary teacher with minimum qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28930 USD Equivalent, rank 39/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, an upper secondary teacher with minimum qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28930 USD Equivalent, rank 39/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a pre-primary teacher with minimum qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28602 USD Equivalent, rank 31/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a primary teacher with minimum qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28602 USD Equivalent, rank 39/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average actual pre-primary teacher's salary among teachers aged between 25-64 is one of the lowest per hour of net teaching time among OECD and partner countries with available data. (40280 USD Equivalent, rank 21/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average actual primary teacher's salary among teachers aged between 25-64 is one of the lowest per hour of net teaching time among OECD and partner countries with available data. (41477 USD Equivalent, rank 27/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a lower secondary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (33673 USD Equivalent, rank 36/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, an upper secondary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (33673 USD Equivalent, rank 36/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a pre-primary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (32348 USD Equivalent, rank 29/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a primary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the lowest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (32670 USD Equivalent, rank 36/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of lower secondary female teachers' salaries to earnings of full-time, full-year women workers with tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.81 Ratio, rank 1/26 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of lower secondary male teachers' salaries to earnings of full-time, full-year men workers with tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.69 Ratio, rank 1/26 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The salaries of 25-34 year-old general lower-secondary teachers relative to earnings for full-time, full-year similarly educated workers with tertiary education is high in Costa Rica. (1.77 Ratio, rank 1/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The salaries of 55-64 year-old general lower-secondary teachers relative to earnings for full-time, full-year similarly educated workers with tertiary education is high in Costa Rica. (1.71 Ratio, rank 1/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of 55-64 year-old lower-secondary teachers is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (58231 USD Equivalent, rank 20/27 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries progression

    Starting salaries for lower secondary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (22941 USD Equivalent, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of lower secondary teachers with minimum training after 10 years of experience are especially low. (26934 USD Equivalent, rank 39/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of lower secondary teachers with minimum training at the top of scale are especially low. (34919 USD Equivalent, rank 40/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Starting salaries for upper secondary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (22941 USD Equivalent, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of upper secondary teachers with minimum training after 10 years of experience are especially low. (26934 USD Equivalent, rank 39/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of upper secondary teachers with minimum training at the top of scale are especially low. (34919 USD Equivalent, rank 40/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Starting salaries for pre-primary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (22683 USD Equivalent, rank 35/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of pre-primary teachers with minimum training after 10 years of experience are especially low. (26629 USD Equivalent, rank 30/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Salaries of pre-primary teachers with minimum training at the top of scale are especially low. (34522 USD Equivalent, rank 32/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Principals' salaries

    The average actual salaries of 25-64 year-old primary school heads is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (57989 USD Equivalent, rank 23/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of 25-64 year-old lower secondary education school heads is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (68237 USD Equivalent, rank 22/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average upper-secondary school heads' actual salary is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (68237 USD Equivalent, rank 23/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the average actual salaries of 25-34 year-old lower-secondary school heads is relatively low compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (48667 USD Equivalent, rank 14/17 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of 35-44 year-old lower secondary school heads is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (66906 USD Equivalent, rank 19/24 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of 45-54 year-old lower secondary school heads is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (69608 USD Equivalent, rank 19/24 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of 55-64 year-old lower secondary school heads is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (72768 USD Equivalent, rank 19/24 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The average actual salaries of lower secondary men school heads aged 25 to 64 is one of the lowest in Costa Rica. (70212 USD Equivalent, rank 19/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Ratio of student to teaching staff

    The number of pupils per teacher in pre-primary schools is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10.2 Ratio, rank 30/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The number of students per teacher in primary schools is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner countries with available data. (10.8 Ratio, rank 36/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level in private institutions is especially low in Costa Rica. (8.2 Ratio, rank 33/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in Costa Rica. (6.9 Ratio, rank 22/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the number of students per teacher in private upper secondary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (8.5 Ratio, rank 34/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the upper secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in Costa Rica. (6.9 Ratio, rank 24/26 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the number of students per teacher in all public secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (13.3 Ratio, rank 10/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the number of students per teacher in all private secondary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (8.3 Ratio, rank 34/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in Costa Rica. (6.9 Ratio, rank 24/25 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the ratio of children to teaching staff in early childhood educational development is one of the lowest compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.8 Ratio, rank 18/21 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Organisation of the education system

    In Costa Rica, the intended instruction time for lower secondary students (in hours per year) is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1120 Hours, rank 4/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The total compulsory instruction time for primary students in Costa Rica is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6880 Hours, rank 3/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the total intended instruction time for primary students (in hours per year) is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6880 Hours, rank 2/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, total intended instruction time for lower secondary students is among the longest compared to other countries with available data. (3360 Hours, rank 10/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The total compulsory instruction time for primary and lower secondary student in Costa Rica is among the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10240 Hours, rank 3/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, total intended instruction time for primary and lower secondary students (in hours per year) is among the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10240 Hours, rank 2/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, compulsory instruction time for primary students, in hours per year, is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1147 Hours, rank 1/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the intended instruction time for primary students, in hours per year, is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1147 Hours, rank 1/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, compulsory instruction time for lower secondary students, in hours per year, is one of the longest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1120 Hours, rank 3/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Classes are particularly small in primary schools. (15 Students, rank 35/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Classes in public primary institutions are comparatively small in Costa Rica. (15 Students, rank 36/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Classes in lower secondary public institutions are comparatively large in Costa Rica. (31 Students, rank 2/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, classes in primary education are comparatively small. (15 Students, rank 35/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Employment and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a short-cycle tertiary education degree is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (71.9 %, rank 28/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (81.2 %, rank 29/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (86.4 %, rank 32/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (74.1 %, rank 32/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (70.3 %, rank 32/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with below upper secondary education is compartively high in Costa Rica. (66.2 %, rank 10/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (78.9 %, rank 36/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (73.2 %, rank 29/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-olds with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (53.7 %, rank 38/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (51.7 %, rank 35/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with a short-cycle tertiary education is comparatively low. (69.4 %, rank 24/26 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 35-44 year-olds with a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (76.2 %, rank 33/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 35-44 year-olds with a general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (74.3 %, rank 31/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 45-54 year-olds with a general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (76.2 %, rank 31/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 35-44 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (74.4 %, rank 34/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 45-54 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (76.3 %, rank 33/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 45-54 year-olds with a short-cycle tertiary education is comparatively low. (82.6 %, rank 22/27 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Employment by gender and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively low. (79.2 %, rank 38/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (70.6 %, rank 34/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-old men without upper secondary education is comparatively high. (83.4 %, rank 4/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-old men with tertiary education is comparatively low. (84.2 %, rank 39/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-old women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (57.6 %, rank 34/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-old women with tertiary education is comparatively low. (74.9 %, rank 34/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old men with below upper secondary education is compartively high in Costa Rica. (83.3 %, rank 3/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (84.8 %, rank 34/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old women with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (73.9 %, rank 35/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-old men with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (57.4 %, rank 39/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-old women with below upper secondary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (32.6 %, rank 30/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-old women with tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (50 %, rank 37/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 55-64 year-old women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (35.9 %, rank 36/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of employed 25-64 year-old women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (57 %, rank 34/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of employed 25-64 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (85 %, rank 10/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of employed 25-64 year-old women with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (64.1 %, rank 31/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Employment by field of education

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of educaton is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (74.5 %, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of arts is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (58.3 %, rank 16/16 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of humanities (except languages), social sciences, journalism and information is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (69.8 %, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (73.4 %, rank 27/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of business and administration is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (54.5 %, rank 16/16 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of law is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (54.7 %, rank 15/15 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of business, administration and law is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (81.1 %, rank 26/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (77.1 %, rank 27/27 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (83.2 %, rank 26/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of health and welfare is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (76.3 %, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Unemployment and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively high. (8.3 %, rank 6/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively high. (5.4 %, rank 6/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest of all OECD countries and partner economies for which data are available. (5.6 %, rank 8/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (5.3 %, rank 10/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64, with below upper secondary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for less than 3 months is one of the largest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (79.8 %, rank 3/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with below upper secondary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 3 months to less than 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (14.6 %, rank 25/27 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with below upper secondary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (5.6 %, rank 32/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 3 months to less than 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (26 %, rank 25/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (12.6 %, rank 32/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with tertiary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for less than 3 months is one of the largest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (58.5 %, rank 3/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with tertiary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 3 months to less than 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to other OECD countries. (21.5 %, rank 29/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among the unemployed population aged between 25 and 64 with tertiary education, the share of those who have been unemployed for at least 12 months is one of the smallest in Costa Rica, compared to OECD countries. (20 %, rank 27/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with a vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is one of the lowest of all OECD countries and partner economies for which data are available. (3.6 %, rank 28/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively high in Costa Rica. (8.2 %, rank 5/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-old with a short cycle tertiary education degree is relatively high in Costa Rica. (9.4 %, rank 6/21 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Unemployment by gender and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is compartively high in Costa Rica. (8.5 %, rank 5/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-old women with below upper secondary education is compartively low in Costa Rica. (11.2 %, rank 26/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-old women with tertiary education is compartively high in Costa Rica. (8.1 %, rank 7/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of unemployed 25-64 year-old women with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (8 %, rank 5/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Inactivity and educational attainment

    The inactivity rate of 25-34 years-old adults with below upper secondary education is low in Costa Rica. (26.9 %, rank 29/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The inactivity rate of 25-34 years-old adults with tertiary education is high in Costa Rica. (13.9 %, rank 6/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-olds with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (16.6 %, rank 5/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (14 %, rank 9/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (12.9 %, rank 1/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-olds with a short cycle tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (23.4 %, rank 2/23 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with a short cycle tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (22.5 %, rank 5/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is one of the highest among countries with available data. (16.2 %, rank 3/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is one of the highest among countries with available data. (24.9 %, rank 5/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (25.1 %, rank 6/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (21.7 %, rank 5/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Inactivity by gender and educational attainment

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate 25-64 year-old women without an upper secondary education is relatively high compared to other countries with available data. (55.1 %, rank 9/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old men without an upper secondary education is relatively low compared to other countries with available data. (8.9 %, rank 35/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old men without an upper secondary education is relatively low compared to other countries with available data. (12.4 %, rank 36/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (32 %, rank 8/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (38.7 %, rank 3/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low. (7.4 %, rank 27/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low. (10 %, rank 28/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old women with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (23.4 %, rank 9/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old women with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (30.3 %, rank 5/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old men with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (10.1 %, rank 4/33 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (31.3 %, rank 8/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high. (38.1 %, rank 3/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old women with tertiary education is relatively high. (19.6 %, rank 5/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old women with tertiary education is relatively high. (21.2 %, rank 4/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is relatively high. (7.3 %, rank 10/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-old men with tertiary education is relatively high. (10.5 %, rank 2/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Earnings and educational attainment

    The proportional difference in earnings between 25-64 year-old adults with tertiary education and those with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is quite high. (199 Index, rank 5/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of foreign-born aged between 25 and 64 who work full- and part-time with a short cycle tertiary education are comparatively high. (131.3 %, rank 3/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of 25-64 year-old full- and part-time workers with a bachelor's or equivalent education are comparatively high. (213.1 %, rank 3/25 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds with below secondary education compared to those of adults with an upper secondary education are relatively low in Costa Rica. (76.5 %, rank 27/32 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a tertiary education degree is comparatively . (47 Index, rank 2/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the relative earnings of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor’s or equivalent attainment ranked among the strongest internationally. (191 Index, rank 2/23 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers without an upper secondary education earning at or below half the overall median in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (25 Index, rank 21/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education earning more than twice the overall median in Costa Rica is one of the highest among countries with available data. (7 Index, rank 9/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-34 year-olds working full-time and full-year with tertiary education compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Costa Rica. (216 Index, rank 6/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers with tertiary education earning at or below half the overall median in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (6 Index, rank 20/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 45-54 year-olds working full-time and full-year with tertiary education compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Costa Rica. (269 Index, rank 5/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-34 year-olds working full-time and full-year with bachelor's or equivalent attainment compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Costa Rica. (227 Index, rank 2/23 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds working full-time and full-year with bachelor's or equivalent attainment compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Costa Rica. (247 Index, rank 3/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 45-54 year-olds working full-time and full-year with bachelor's or equivalent attainment compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Costa Rica. (265 Index, rank 2/23 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the distribution of worker earning more than half the median but at or below the median among those with tertiary education is comparatively low. (12 Index, rank 28/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings, gender and educational attainment

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (among 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary education or post-secondary non-tertiary education and income from employment) are one of the highest among countries with available data. (85.3 %, rank 4/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education and income from employment) are one of the highest among countries with available data. (92.4 %, rank 2/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (25-64 year-olds with income from employment) are one of the highest among countries with available data. (111.6 %, rank 1/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education are one of the highest among countries with available data. (87.9 %, rank 2/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (among 25-34 year-olds with upper secondary education or post-secondary non-tertiary education and income from employment) are one of the high among countries with available data. (88.8 %, rank 4/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the proportion of young women's earnings as a percentage of men's earnings (25-34 year-olds with tertiary education working full-time full-year), is relatively low compared to OECD and other members with available data (76.7 %, rank 24/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (25-34 year-olds without an upper secondary education working full-time full-year) are one of the highest among countries with available data. (92.7 %, rank 4/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (45-54 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education working full-time full-year) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (77.9 %, rank 21/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (45-54 year-olds with tertiary education working full-time full-year) are one of the highest among countries with available data. (94.9 %, rank 1/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings by field of education

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of business, administration and law, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (92 %, rank 14/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of education, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (106.8 %, rank 1/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (99.9 %, rank 10/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of health and welfare, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (112.5 %, rank 2/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (118.3 %, rank 3/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in Costa Rica who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (137.6 %, rank 1/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Neither in education nor employed

    The share of inactive youth neither in formal education nor training among 18-24 year-olds in Costa Rica is one of the highest among countries with available data. (14.5 %, rank 8/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of unemployed youth neither in formal education nor training among 18-24 year-olds in Costa Rica is one of the highest among countries with available data. (24.2 %, rank 4/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of youth who have been unemployed for at least one year and not in formal education or training among 18-24 year-olds in Costa Rica is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (0.4 %, rank 24/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men without an upper secondary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively low (20 %, rank 26/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high (38 %, rank 3/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high (18.2 %, rank 5/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Costa Rica is relatively high (27.9 %, rank 3/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (36 %, rank 6/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (16.4 %, rank 8/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary in Costa Rica is relatively high. (26.2 %, rank 4/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women with tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (20.8 %, rank 5/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with tertiary education in Costa Rica is relatively high. (14.4 %, rank 7/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women who are inactive NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (23.2 %, rank 3/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women who are unemployed NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (5.9 %, rank 8/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women who are inactive NEET (18-24 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (21.5 %, rank 6/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women who are unemployed NEET (18-24 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (7.7 %, rank 5/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men who are inactive NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (8.6 %, rank 6/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men who are unemployed NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (8 %, rank 5/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men who are unemployed NEET (18-24 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (11.2 %, rank 2/36 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of inactive NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (15.3 %, rank 6/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of unemployed NEET (15-29 year-olds) in Costa Rica is relatively high. (7.1 %, rank 5/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of youth neither employed nor in education or training among 25-29 year-olds in Costa Rica is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (25.6 %, rank 4/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of men neither employed nor in education among 15-29 year-olds is relatively high. (17.2 %, rank 2/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the share of women neither employed nor in education among 15-29 year-olds is relatively high. (20.2 %, rank 3/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Costa Rica, the percentage of women neither employed nor in education or training among 20-24 year-olds is relatively high . (29.3 %, rank 6/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 18-24 year-olds who are neither employed nor in education or training is comparatively large in Costa Rica. (24.2 %, rank 4/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 18-24 year-old men neither employed nor in education or training is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (20.2 %, rank 4/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 18-24 year-old women neither employed nor in education or training is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (29.1 %, rank 4/37 , 2024) Download Indicator


    The data table will display up to six selected countries.
    General findings
    
                        
    
                            
    
                                
    • Tertiary attainment among young adults has reached 48% on average across the OECD, the highest level ever, but progress has slowed since 2021. Attainment remains unequal, with women generally outpacing men, and older generations showing lower rates.
    • Employment outcomes for tertiary-educated adults remain strong overall: 87% of them are employed compared to 60% of those without upper seconday. Tertiary education offers good protection against unemployment, but women and disadvantaged groups still face labour market gaps, and inactivity persists among some adults. Moreover, adults with tertiary education earn on average 54% more than those with only upper secondary education.
    • Gender pay gaps remain significant. Despite higher attainment, women with tertiary education consistently earn less than men, even when working full-time, and this gap persists across age groups (73% on average for women aged 25 to 64).
    • Fields of study strongly influence labour market outcomes. Graduates in engineering and in health and welfare fare particularly well, while women’s participation in STEM remains below parity (14% of graduates at tertiary level) despite being 58% of all tertiary graduates.
    • Internationalisation continues to expand in tertiary education. The share of international students has grown steadily, and OECD countries host a large proportion of the world’s mobile students, reinforcing their global role in higher education.
    • Sustaining tertiary education requires adequate investment. Spending per student is already at 21 021 USD and rising, and tertiary expenditure represents a notable share of GDP (1.4% on average in OECD), making efficiency and equity crucial for long-term sustainability.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Access and Participation  | Education policies: Finance and Funding | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • Although many countries have near universal upper secondary attainment among 25–34 year-olds, on average across the OECD 13% of younger adults still lack an upper secondary qualification.
    • NEET shares are now below pre-pandemic levels in about half of OECD and partner countries with trend data; in 8 of these 16 countries the decline exceeds 1 percentage point, while 17 countries exceed pre-pandemic benchmarks and 6 saw increases of more than 2 percentage points.
    • Employment rates rise steadily with higher tertiary attainment: short-cycle 83%, bachelor’s 86%, master’s 90%, and doctoral or equivalent 93% among 25–64 year-olds.
    • Earnings premiums also increase with qualification level: on average across the OECD, short-cycle graduates earn 17% more than those with upper secondary; the advantage is 39% for bachelor’s and 83% for master’s/doctoral graduates.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • Most children aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in early childhood education, with an average participation rate of 85% across the OECD. By contrast, only 29% of children under the age of 3 are enrolled.
    • Participation in early childhood education has grown over the past decade, with enrolment for children under age 3 increasing by 9 percentage points to 29%, and enrolment for ages 3 and above rising by 5 points to 85%.
    • The majority of students in vocational upper secondary education follow programmes that grant full access to tertiary education, with 76% of students enrolled in such programmes on average across the OECD.
    • Completion rates for bachelor’s programmes increase after the theoretical duration of programmes: on average, 44% of students graduate on time, compared to 69% three years after.
    • Students from Asia form the largest regional group of internationally mobile students in tertiary education, representing 58% of all foreign or international students across the OECD in 2023.
    • Only 43% of students complete a bachelor’s degree within the expected duration, though this rises to 59% with one additional year and 70% with three additional years on average across the OECD.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Access and Participation  | 
    
                            
    
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    • Governments spend on average USD 12 438 per student in primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education, and USD 15 102 per student in tertiary education including R&D.
    • Expenditure per student has risen in absolute terms since 2015, but its share in public budgets has declined, with government spending on education at almost 15% of total government expenditure on average in 2022.
    • Annual spending per student at primary and secondary levels varies widely across OECD countries, from under USD 3 000 in some systems to over USD 25 000 in the most highly funded ones.
    • Tertiary education continues to expand, placing pressure on public budgets. Private sources represent a larger share of total funding at the tertiary level than at any other level of education.
    • Spending per student differs markedly between public and private institutions, with expenditure in public tertiary institutions exceeding USD 33 000 in some countries, compared to less than USD 10 000 in others.
    
                            
    
                            
    
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    • Students in OECD countries receive an average of 7 604 hours of compulsory instruction during primary and lower secondary education, with total hours ranging widely across education systems.
    • Compulsory instruction time averages 804 hours per year for primary students and 909 hours for lower secondary students, a difference of about 105 hours annually.
    • The ratio of children to teachers in pre-primary education has fallen across most OECD countries, decreasing from an average of 15 children per teacher in 2013 to 13 in 2023.
    • Teachers’ statutory salaries increase with the level of education taught. On average, teachers with 15 years of experience earn USD 55 725 at pre-primary level and USD 63 925 at upper secondary level.
    • Teachers’ actual salaries are 83–91% of the earnings of similarly educated tertiary-educated workers, while school heads usually earn more than tertiary-educated workers on average across OECD countries.
    • The ratio of students to academic staff is lower in public than in private institutions, averaging about 14 students per staff member in public tertiary institutions compared to 18 in private ones.
    • Nearly half of OECD and partner countries operate non-selective admission systems for first degrees, providing broad access to tertiary education, while entrance exams and centralised systems are also common.
    • The salaries of academic staff in tertiary education vary by seniority. On average, junior staff earn about 62 000 USD, while senior staff earn about 108 000 USD.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Teachers | Education policies: Teachers | OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)  | 
    
                            
    
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            Diagram of funding flows - Costa Rica
            
    
            
    
        
    


        
		
    
            
    
			Click on the coverpage to see the full OECD iLibrary version
			
    
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            Country Reviews for Costa Rica
            
    
            
    
			
    
        
    
		
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
        
    
            Note: These values should be interpreted with care since they are influenced by countries' specific contexts and trade-offs. In education, there is often no simple
            most- or least-efficient model. For instance, the share of private expenditure in education must be read against other measures designed to mitigate inequities, 
			such as loans and grants; longer learning time is an opportunity to convey more and better content to students, but may hinder investments in other important
            areas. If you want further information on the nature of different variables, please take the time to read the analysis and contextual information, available at the website
            for each publication.
    
            All rankings for individual variables are compiled on the basis of OECD and G20 countries for which data are available. The OECD average includes only OECD countries which are listed here: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/members-partners.html
            

    
			Reference years displayed in the Education GPS correspond to the most common year of reference among countries for which data is available on each variable. Data for the latest available year is preferred and some 
			countries may have provided data refering to a more recent or late year. To know more about possible exceptions on data please click on the "Download Indicator" link on each variable. When a year of reference corresponds to a school year encompassing two years, the reference reads as follows: 2026 for school year 2025/2026.
			

    
	    *TALIS averages are based on all countries participating in the TALIS survey, including partner countries and economies. 
		This explains the difference between the OECD average and the TALIS averages.
		Data from the TALIS survey and Education at a Glance (EAG) may differ. See Annex E of the TALIS technical report and 
		Annex 3 
		of EAG 2024 for more details about the data collections.
            

    
            For additional notes, please refer to annexes in the list of links below the introductory country profile text.