A cost/benefit analysis of Kumon, and move ahead this summer!

A Cost-Benefit Analysis?

Benefits of Kumon are many, particularly in the area of character traits such as self-confidence, discipline, joy, and goal setting. But recently I had a parent ask me about a cold, hard, cost-benefit analysis of why their child should do Kumon. Here's a stab at it.

Recent Houston Chronicle headlines indicate that somewhere between 40% and 60% of college-bound Texas high school graduates must take at least one remedial course in college. If, without Kumon, your child would have to do so, but Kumon allows the student to take one less semester of college, the benefits realized are not just the saved cost of college for that semester (let's call it $10,000), but also the income for the semester that s/he is in the work force (Let's call it $20,000 for one semester). Thus, there is a pretty good shot that entering Kumon and staying for the long term could be a decision saving $30,000 in today's dollars.

What is the cost of Kumon? Again, dealing in today's dollars, it's $1500 per year per subject, or $3000 per year for two. Simplifying the calculation by ignoring inflation and dealing in today's dollars, your breakeven point is ten years of Kumon. The good news is that even the littlest ones (three years old) coming to me are projected to complete the Reading in eight years or less and the Math in ten. Most children complete much earlier.

Another case is that of the truly advanced child, such as those who come to me at three and stay. These children actually can complete many credits of college before completing high school. Again, the benefits will be a saved semester or more, valued at $30,000 savings per semester.

I know this analysis is simplistic; it is also conservative. It ignores the improved chances for high SAT scores, better high school grades, and admission to a good university. It also neglects the cost differential between lower and higher paying careers. Consider, for example, that the difference in lifetime earnings between a teacher and an engineer is millions of dollars. If Kumon could be the difference for your child, it certainly more than justifies the expense.

These are just cold, hard numbers. What this analysis does not take into account is the child's increased joy of learning, and desire to learn more, that comes as a natural outgrowth of proceeding through the Program. The self-confidence developed through Kumon simply cannot be bought in a store; the only way a child can acquire it is through positive life experiences. Kumon's unique structure, allowing daily small successes, is unique in fostering the self-confidence that produces a truly happy child and ultimately an adult with a strong work ethic and the focus and discipline to be a highly productive and valued employee.

Can you afford Kumon? Really, the question should be: Can you afford NOT to do Kumon? I honestly feel it is the single best investment you can make in your child's future.