If Texas were to institute a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program, Dr. Patrick Wolf of the University of Arkansas argues that by 2022 it would generate an additional 11,809 high school graduates. Having more high-school educated students would be good for Texas. These individuals would, on average, make more money (and thus pay more in taxes), be less likely to get into contact with the criminal justice system or end up on public assistance, and would live longer, healthier lives. This paper looks into the long term fiscal effects of the rise in the number of high school graduates from the program. In total, it estimates over $5 billion in benefits shared by participants of the program and society at large.
K-12 Education
TEFA is a Success. What’s Next?
Texas’ launch of the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program has been nothing short of historic. It sends a clear message that families are demanding more control over their children’s education. Within the first 24 hours, more than 42,000 applications poured in, shattering national records for a school choice program rollout. By the time applications closed,...
April 2, 2026