One of the dominant contributory factors to a country's long-run productivity and economic growth is the education, training and skills possessed by its working-age population. Higher education qualifications are one of the key mechanisms in generating wealth for the students who attain them. The provision of education and skills also produces good rates of return to the State. This report highlights the economic benefits associated with higher education qualification attainment and how these benefits can vary according to the subject of study, gender and prior qualification attainment. It also considers the costs and benefits of higher education for the individual and the State. (Contains 2 tables, 3 figures and 25 notes.)