Private financing of higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to contribute directly to the current debate on higher education finance reform in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), on both practical and theoretical levels. Given macroeconomic constraints, increasing demand for higher education and the need to improve the efficiency and equity of public expenditures, the objective is to analyze the potential for increased student fees, expanded student loan schemes and effective scholarship programs. These private sources of finance may be among the most important elements of public higher education reform in Latin America.