I literally pulled that number out of my arse based on some vague recollection of such a figure. It may be conservative, or grossly exaggerated, but I think it'

I literally pulled that number out of my arse based on some vague recollection of such a figure. It may be conservative, or grossly exaggerated, but I think it's ballpark for the "cost of creating a graduate". The costs are complex because, for example, a student at college is not (except by paying my salary as a professor) participating in the economy for three years.