Total expenditure for public education centres came to 1,288 million euros in 2003, with a 9.4% increase with regard to 2001, according to EUSTAT data. Expenditure by public education centres represented 2.6% of the GDP in 2003. In addition, expenditure by private education centres came to 737 million euros, which means public education centres accounted for 63.6% of total expenditure.

Most of the expenditure, 91.9%, was earmarked to finance current activities and the remaining 8.1% for investment. In addition, current expenditure, 1,185 million euros, saw 94% used directly on education (the most relevant item being personnel expenses, 89%), 0.8% on complementary activities and 5.2% on complementary catering and transport services, mainly.

According to the type of education, centres that teach pre-university studies represent 74% of total expenditure, while the university represents 22% and artistic studies centres represent the remaining 4%. Compared with private centres, the public university obtained 10% more of the contribution to total expenditure.

Between 2001 and 2003 the rhythm of growth in education expenditure per pupil (6.8%) increased more per unit, where the increase represented 5.1%.

Education expenditure per school unit in public education centres amounted to 61,713 euros at the infant education level and 69,587 euros at primary. In intermediate education it was 107,394 for E.S.O., 156,373 euros for baccalaureate and between 110,567 and 121,008 euros for Technical Training intermediate and higher level.

With regard to education expenditure per pupil at infant-primary level, as occurs with expenditure per unit, the primary pupil represents a higher cost (4,867 euros), than the infant pupil (3,855 euros). With regard to intermediate education, the variation is between 7,053 in E.S.O., 6,132 in Baccalaureate, 7,742 and 8,078 in Technical Training intermediate and higher levels respectively. For special education (languages, music and arts and trades) it was 1,019 euros per pupil and 4,330 euros for the university.

Total income at public centres came to 1,297 million euros, 92.5% corresponding to current income and 7.5% to capital income. Public financing represented 94.5% of total income, the main source being the Department of Education with 86%, followed by town councils with 5%. Private sources contributed 5.4% of the total, mainly through education quotas, 3.2%, and complementary activities and services, 2.2%.