The Transition Rate from High School to University: The Case of Italy

Recent studies have shown a more effective and efficient use of education and training resources together with the economic returns to education do not seem sufficient enough to motivate high-school graduates to enrol at university. This clarifies that in recent years in Italy, there is proof of a downward trend in the transition rate of students moving from high school to university which highlights a tendency towards a disinvestment in human capital. The aim of this study is to examine the socio-economic and cultural issues which affect the decisions made by young high-school graduates to defer entering the labour market by investing in a university education. Using regression techniques and panel data (Re. the 20 Italian regions from 1999 to 2009), the impact made by two groups of variables (i.e. cost and context) has been analyzed on the rate of transition from high school to university at regional level. The empirical results show that the variables with a significantly positive impact on this transition firmly depend on the prevailing economic situation of the country. The promotion of economic growth should not depend on an investment in human capital. Public intervention in support of further education (now almost entirely borne by households) is therefore necessary to avoid triggering a vicious circle of inevitably negative consequences. The recent university reforms suggest that this observation did not inspire the legislator in any way. Instead, the situation seems to be moving in the opposite direction.