Marketization of Higher Education in Peru: Implications for Students' Achievement and Equity

Higher education policies in Peru have permitted the liberalization of the education market, which allowed for profit in universities. This has led to a massive expansion of for-profit private universities. As a result, there is an ongoing debate on the effect of this marketization to Peruvians. In this context, this pilot research study seeks to examine the effect of marketization of higher education in Peru, particularly with regard to student achievement and equity related aspects. The study applies a mixed methods approach in examining the topic. The qualitative study includes interviewing teachers, students, researchers and administrators from four (two public, two private) institutions in Peru. The quantitative study includes analyzing Young Lives data to conduct descriptive and correlational studies on key variables of interest, and to examine the patters of achievement and inequality among private and public institutions.