The Complex Balancing Act Between Free Tuition and Student Debt in Chile’s Higher Education Landscape
In recent years, Chile’s higher education system has undergone a significant transformation, marked by ambitious policies aimed at expanding access to university education for its diverse population. At the heart of this transformation lies a fundamental public policy paradox: while free tuition offers an unprecedented opportunity for lower-income students to pursue higher education without the looming fear of financial burden, the coexistence of student loans and credit schemes continues to influence not only access but also the very choices students make about their futures. This delicate tension shapes not just enrollment numbers but also career trajectories, institutional sustainability, and ultimately, the social fabric of the nation. Chile’s introduction of the free tuition policy, known locally as gratuidad, was a landmark moment. By removing direct financial barriers for students from the lower 60% of the income distribution, the policy has opened university doors to many...