Financial Design of Higher Education in Latin America and Vulnerable Populations: Issues Still to Be Addressed

Marenco E.A.C.; Bastidas J.A.O.; Celedón-Lacayo T.; Guerrero-Guillén R.; Ravelo-Franco G. · Onati Socio-Legal Series (2025) · DOI: 10.35295/osls.iisl.1972

Resumen

This paper presents a systematic literature review on the need for a multidimensional approach to higher education financing policies in Latin America. The study examines, in a structured and rigorous manner, a set of recent academic sources to identify the main dimensions that affect access, retention, and graduation of students in vulnerable situations. It concludes that traditional schemes based solely on socioeconomic indicators are insufficient. The review highlights the importance of incorporating factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability, place of origin, and family educational climate into comprehensive policies that include complementary services, accessibility, cultural recognition, and budgetary sustainability. It argues that educational financing must serve as a tool for structural transformation and social justice, going beyond universalist and fragmented approaches.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental