Recent CBOS poll results show that ninety percent Poles think it is important to get an education while only 7 percent do not.

Since 1993, the percent of Poles valuing higher education has risen 15 percent and the number thinking that education is worthless has fallen 13 percent.

At the end of Poland’s communist period, in 1988, there existed 1.8 million Poles with higher education. In 2007, according to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), 5.5 million Poles have a higher degree. That is 16.5 percent of the countries total population older than 13.

According to this recent CBOS poll, higher salaries are the main motivating factor that push people to pursue further education. As well, 39 percent of respondents claim that there are more interesting career paths now while 27 percent cite ‘intellectual development’ as a reason for staying in school.

CBOS analysts report differing responses from both men and women. Women were more likely to cite education as a manner of self-reliance and independence, as well for developing one’s intellect and personality. Men, on the other hand, highlighted the fact that higher education equals higher salaries and an easier life.

Members of all socio-demographic groups showed similar response in claiming that it is valuable to have a higher education.

Research and polling took place between 2-9 April on a representative sample of 1,094 adult Poles. (mmj)