An economic analysis of private and public schooling in Uzbekistan: affordability, investment, and labor market outcomes

Economic Annals-XXI: Volume 214, Issue (3-4), Pages: 16-21

Citation information
Khayitova, F., Sulaymonov, F., Mamadaliev, N., Narziyeva, N., Mardonova, A., & Qodirov, S. (2025). An economic analysis of private and public schooling in Uzbekistan: affordability, investment, and labor market outcomes. Economic Annals-XXI, 214(3-4), 16-21. doi: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V214-03

Firuza Khayitova
PhD (Education),
Department of Preschool and Primary Education,
Termez University of Economics and Service
41-B Farovon Massif Str., Termiz city, 190100, Uzbekistan
firuza_xayitova@tues.uz
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3907-9217

Farrukh Sulaymonov
PhD (Education),
Kimyo International University in Tashkent
156 Shota Rustaveli Str., Тashkent, 100121, Uzbekistan
sulaymonovfsh@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7904-7831

Nemat Mamadaliev
PhD (Philosophy),
Head,
Department of Social Sciences,
Fergana Public Health Medical Institute
2A Yangi Turon Str., Fergana, Fergana region, 150100, Uzbekistan
mnеmatjon1961@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2953-2695

Narziyeva Nargiza
PhD (Pedagogical Sciences),
Associate Professor,
Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnologies
77 Mirzo Ulug’bek Str., Samarkand, 140100, Uzbekistan
nargizanarziyeva09@ssuv.uz
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6480-0537

Ashirjon Mardonova
PhD (Economics),
Department of Digital Economy,
Sharof Rashidov Samarkand State University
15 University Blvd., Samarkand, 140104, Uzbekistan
mardonova.1961@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4638-6572

Salokhiddin Qodirov
MA (Education),
Department of Individual Wrestling,
Urganch State University
14 Kh. Alimdjan Str., Urgench, 220100, Uzbekistan
qodirovsalohiddin21@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5279-6148

An economic analysis of private and public schooling in Uzbekistan: affordability, investment, and labor market outcomes

Abstract. The article presents an economic comparison of Uzbekistan’s dual education system, public and private schools. Based on surveys of 400 households in the country’s principal cities conducted in 2024, the study establishes a deep-seated economic difference between the two systems. The average household income for private schools has been placed at 14.5 million thirds, more than double the figure for public schools at 6.8 million thirds. The share of education expenditure in total household income in private schools is 26.2%, compared to 13.2% in public schools. The findings show that 55 percent of the households in public schools and 70 percent of the households in private schools incur additional expenditure on supplementary education. The paper concludes that the existing economic inequality not only limits access to a quality education, but also works to reinforce social and economic inequalities.

Keywords: Economic Analysis; Private and Public Schools; Uzbekistan; Socio-Economic Factors; Educational Equity

JEL Classifications: Е24; Е41; Е64; I18; J28; J31

Contribution: The authors contributed equally to this work.

Data Availability Statement: The dataset is available from the authors upon request.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V214-03

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Received 13.01.2025
Received in revised form 11.02.2025
Accepted 16.02.2025
Available online 29.04.2025