Paper Title
The Effect of Higher Education on Human Development In Iran During 1976-2014 Using Ardl Approach

Abstract
Nowadays most developing countries believe that development of quantitative and qualitative education is the essential base of economic development. This paper examines the effect of higher education on human development index (HDI) in Iran during 1976-2014 using ARDL approach. As proxy of higher education four variables are selected: number of undergraduate, master and PHD students and also education expenditures. In addition the human development index (HDI) is selected as proxy of human development. The basic background for selection of essential dimensions of human development index and its constituent indicators is the initial capacity of people to contribute and take role in the society. These capacities and capabilities are: ability to have long life with good health, ability to acquiring knowledge, and ability to access resources and facilities for the enjoyment of having a good life. As a result, human development index as a composite index, has three sub-index: 1) Life expectancy: represents long life and health. 2) Educational progress: represents knowledge level. 3) GDP (measured by purchasing power parity in dollars): indicates the existence of decent life. Human development index shows how far a country is from ideal situation. It also is an index that measures the degree of empowerment The results show that during the period of 1976 – 2014 the number of undergraduate, master and PHD students also education expenditures have positive significant effect on HDI in Iran. Key words- higher education, human development, Iran