STUDENTS are going to university in unprecedented numbers. In 2006, 56% of school-leavers in industrialised countries went on to university, up from 37% in 1995, according to an OECD report published on Tuesday September 9th. Nearly all of the 30 OECD countries have seen entry rates increase, and the extra cash needed has come from a variety of sources. Some countries, such as Britain, charge tuition fees, whereas Nordic countries levy high taxes. But America spends the most on each university student, thanks to a large pot of private financing.

Shutterstock