Majority of parents oppose putting funds towards university-level education for their children
Parents' College Funding Plans in St. Petersburg and Beyond
A new study reveals insights into the financial expectations of parents in Russia as their children prepare for higher education. The survey, conducted by Maximum Education, polled over 1250 parents of children in grades 5-11 from various regions across Russia.
Parental Investment in Higher Education
The study shows that Russian parents, on the whole, express a strong interest in funding their children's higher education, viewing it as a crucial investment in their future social and economic status.
Tuition Fees Across Russia
Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the city and university type. In the two largest and most expensive cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, public university tuition fees for popular programs can range from approximately 150,000 to 400,000 rubles per year (around $2,000 to $5,500 USD). Private universities and specialized programs may charge higher fees. In regional universities, tuition fees are generally lower, with common ranges between 70,000 and 150,000 rubles per year (roughly $900 to $2,000 USD).
Budgeting for College
When it comes to budgeting for college, most parents in St. Petersburg planning for their children's education anticipate spending up to 250,000 rubles (around $3,300 USD), with 44% expecting to spend between 250,000 and 500,000 rubles (around $6,600 to $13,300 USD). In Moscow, 52% and 67% of parents, respectively, expect to spend up to 100,000 and 200,000 rubles (around $1,300 and $2,600 USD).
State-Funded Admissions and Alternatives
The study also sheds light on the reactions of parents when their children fail to secure admission on a state-funded basis. In St. Petersburg, 14% of parents would suggest their child find a job and try again later, while in Moscow, 10% would send their child to college. If admission on a paid basis is also unsuccessful, 40% of parents in both cities would consider vocational education as an alternative.
Interestingly, only 13% of surveyed parents are willing to pay for their child's vocational education, and 9% for higher education. If a child cannot get into college on a state-funded basis, 40% of parents in both cities would fund their education.
Educational Loans and Part-Time Work
The survey also found that 24% of respondents planning for commercial education in a Moscow college or university plan to find part-time work. Similarly, 26% of those choosing regional colleges and universities also plan to find part-time work. Additionally, 33% and 23% of parents of future applicants to Moscow and regional universities, respectively, consider educational loans.
Looking Ahead
While the study provides valuable insights into the financial expectations and plans of Russian parents, it does not offer direct data about the average willingness of Russian parents to fund their child's college or university education or specific preferred tuition fee ranges in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and regional universities. For more detailed numeric data, it is recommended to consult specialized Russian educational research reports or surveys from entities like the Russian Ministry of Education or independent polling agencies.
Education-and-self-development and learning are key concerns for parents in Russia, as the study reveals a strong interest in funding their children's higher education, viewing it as an investment in their future social and economic status, as well as a crucial step in their education-and-self-development and learning journey. Parents are willing to take various measures, such as budgeting, finding part-time work, and exploring educational loans, to fund their children's education and learning.
