Socio economic student's profile that access to higher education in Chile (1990-2003)

Abstract

By analyzing the access of different socio-economic groups to higher education institutions by quintile, this paper examines the impact produced by higher education policies in Chile during the 1990-2003 period. To this end, CASEN household databases provide valuable information to measure: a) access of students (18-24 year-old group) by family per capita income level; b) access of students by household level of schooling; and c) access of students by household employment. Major conclusions set up that even though higher education policies have increased access to the system of economical disadvantaged students, inequity in access still persist. In order to reduce the inequity gap it is recommended to improve allocation of resources oriented to student aid programs.