Economic inequality and its impact on access to higher education among Students at the State University of Southern Manabí

Abstract

This research analyzed the incidence of economic inequality on access to higher education among students of the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí, considering the socioeconomic conditions that influence both entry into and persistence within the public university system. The objective of the study was to analyze how students’ economic conditions affected their opportunities for access, continuity, and academic development in higher education. The research was conducted under a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental and descriptive design, which allowed observation of the phenomenon in its real context without manipulating the study variables. A survey was used as the data collection technique, applied through a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions, designed based on previous studies and adapted to the institutional context. The study population consisted of 3,115 enrolled students, from which a random sample of 342 students was selected, calculated with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The results showed that most students come from low-income households, face economic difficulties in covering indirect educational expenses, experience limited access to technological resources, and have considered suspending or abandoning their studies due to financial reasons. It is concluded that economic inequality significantly affects access to and persistence in higher education, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional policies aimed at promoting equity and comprehensive student support.