Selectivity in Higher Education: Implications for Student Academic Outcomes and Social Inequalities in Italy

This dissertation explores the impact of selectivity in higher education on social inequalities and academic outcomes. It examines how selective admission policies, while aiming to regulate the quantity-quality trade-off of students, often favor those with greater resources, creating barriers for low-income students. The research investigates these dynamics through three empirical chapters. The first chapter focuses on how institutional quality and institutional selectivity influence enrolment decisions in Italy, emphasizing higher education supply factors. It distinguishes between institutional quality and selectivity, analyzing their independent effects on enrolment outcomes. The second chapter examines if the choice of selective degree programs is stratified by social background, shedding light on unequal access to higher education. We analyze the various steps involved in pursuing a selective degree program, including expressing preferences, applying, gaining admission, and enrolling. This approach allows us to differentiate between self-selection Finally, the third chapter investigates if institutional selectivity enhances student progression, contributing to research on factors impacting academic achievement and attainment.