Exploring the socioeconomic impact of higher education on private university graduates in Afghanistan: a case study

Abstract

After the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, the new Afghan government prioritized rebuilding education, especially higher education. The surge in demand for higher education led to the establishment of numerous private and state universities. This study explores the socioeconomic impact of higher education on private university graduates in Afghanistan, utilizing a qualitative research approach and a case study design. Data collection methods included interviews and focus group discussions. The study aims to identify graduates' perceptions of the socioeconomic benefits of higher education, the link between higher education and employment, and the changing role of higher education in graduates’ lives in Afghanistan. The study's key findings reveal that graduates view higher education as a pathway to a better life and an instrument for creating peaceful and sustainable societies and promoting social mobility. Higher education significantly improved graduates' quality of life and provided better employment opportunities and careers with higher incomes. However, there is a significant disparity between graduates' qualifications and those required by Afghanistan's labor market.