Analysis Of The Evolution Of Higher Education In Rio Grande Do Sul In The 21st Century

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze, using a descriptive and exploratory methodology (Gil, 2008), the evolution of in-person undergraduate education in Rio Grande do Sul during the period between 2000 and 2022. For this purpose, data related to the number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), courses, available spots, enrolled candidates, admissions, enrollments, and graduates were analyzed. Based on these indicators, one of the results of this study shows that higher education in the state has grown significantly during the analyzed period. This expansion was driven by the increase in the number of available spots in private institutions. Another important result is that higher education in Rio Grande do Sul achieved a net enrollment rate of 26.6%, nearing consolidation, in terms of access, as a massified system. The data also shows greater female representation in higher education in the state. Regarding racial profile, the indicators suggest that there is an overrepresentation of white and, especially, Asian individuals compared to the population's racial percentages in the census. According to the data, although considerable inequality still exists in the representation among races/colors in higher education in the state, this disparity has decreased during the analyzed period.