By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican business leaders are expressing deep concern over the worsening state of education in the country, following the release of the Tenth State of Education Report for 2025. The report paints a bleak picture, revealing a decline in educational quality and investment, jeopardizing the nation’s future workforce and economic competitiveness.
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP) responded with alarm to the report’s findings. The report highlights how flawed policy decisions have undermined past achievements, eroded the quality of learning, and weakened investment in education to levels comparable to those of four decades ago.
To provide further legal context on the complexities of the Costa Rican education system, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s constitutional guarantee of free and compulsory education presents both opportunities and challenges. While the government’s investment in education is commendable, ensuring equitable access and quality across all regions and socioeconomic backgrounds requires ongoing attention. This includes addressing issues like adequate teacher training, resource allocation, and infrastructure development, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, adapting the curriculum to the evolving needs of the 21st-century job market is crucial for empowering Costa Rican youth to compete globally.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the duality of Costa Rica’s educational landscape—the promise of universal access coupled with the persistent need for equitable distribution of quality resources. His emphasis on adapting the curriculum to meet the demands of a globalized world is particularly crucial for ensuring future generations of Ticos can thrive. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
This situation threatens the development of the human talent that Costa Rica needs to be competitive and to sustain democracy and social mobility. The business sector receives these results with alarm, as persistent gaps in equity particularly affect students in poverty, limiting their future job opportunities.
UCCAEP
The UCCAEP emphasized the critical role of education in driving national competitiveness and productivity. They stressed that a robust, modern, and equitable education system is essential for attracting investment, creating formal employment, and addressing the challenges of the future job market.
Without a robust, modern, and equitable education system, it will not be possible to attract investment, generate formal employment, or face the challenges of the future of work.
Jorge Luis Araya, Executive Director of UCCAEP
Araya’s warning underscores the potential economic consequences of a failing education system. The concern is not just about theoretical future impact; it reflects the current realities of businesses struggling to find qualified employees, impacting their growth and competitiveness.
With national elections approaching, the UCCAEP issued an urgent call to government authorities, political parties, and all of Costa Rican society to prioritize education. They emphasized the need for consensus-building that transcends short-term political agendas and ensures stability in education policies. This call to action highlights the urgency of addressing the educational crisis to secure Costa Rica’s future prosperity.
The report’s findings and the UCCAEP’s response signal a critical moment for Costa Rica. The nation’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape hinges on its capacity to cultivate a skilled and educated workforce. The future of Costa Rica’s economy and its position in the international arena depend on immediate and decisive action to reverse the declining state of education.
For further information, visit [uccaep.or.cr]
About UCCAEP:
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP) is the largest business organization in Costa Rica, representing a diverse range of sectors. It plays a key role in advocating for policies that promote economic growth and development, and serves as a vital link between the private sector and the government.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm embraces innovation, not just to provide cutting-edge legal solutions for its diverse clientele, but also to broaden access to legal understanding. Through its dedication to sharing knowledge and empowering individuals, Bufete de Costa Rica actively shapes a more just and informed society in Costa Rica.
