Dominican Republic
The figures from the Dominican Republic point to important achievements as well as persistent challenges in education financing and equity. The most recent data (2023) shows that the country invested 4.27% of GDP in public education. This is below the international benchmark of 6%, yet above the regional average.
Attendance indicators suggest relatively strong progress. In 2022, the gender ratio was 0.99, slightly above the regional average and indicating near parity between boys and girls. The wealth parity index stood at 1.08, meaning children from wealthier households remain more likely to attend school than those from poorer households. However, this level of inequality is lower than the regional average, suggesting relatively better performance in equitable access.
To complement these figures, our members provide national-level analysis, highlighting important nuances and policy recommendations.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Public financial effort measures the extent to which a country allocates its resources to education, both in relation to GDP and the government budget. International benchmarks since 2015 recommend 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of government expenditure for education. In the Dominican Republic, the latest data (2023) shows that 4.27% of GDP was devoted to education. While this remains below the 6% benchmark, it is above the regional average. Data on education’s share of the national budget is not available, limiting full assessment of the public financial effort.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Data on per-student spending is not available, limiting further analysis of government priorities.
- The gender ratio was 0.99 (2022), showing approximate parity between girls and boys and performing slightly better than the regional average.
- The wealth parity index was 1.08, indicating some inequality in school attendance, with wealthier children more likely to attend. However, this gap is narrower than the regional average, suggesting more equal access compared to regional peers.