Student Loans or Taxes? Financing Reform in Chile

Authors

  • Mario Alarcón Diego Portales University
  • José Joaquín Brunner Diego Portales University

Keywords:

Funding and Lifelong Learning

Abstract

The Chilean idea to transition from a student loan system to a progressive graduate tax represents a significant development in the financing of higher education. Though designed to reduce student debt and promote equity, this reform prompts concerns regarding institutional autonomy, financial sustainability, and redistribution of costs. We examine the implications of the proposed Higher Education Fund (FES), situating Chile’s experience within the context of global debates on access, cost, and quality in higher education.

Author Biographies

Mario Alarcón, Diego Portales University

Mario Alarcón is assistant professor at Diego Portales University, Chile, and heads the master program in management of higher education institutions. E-mail: mario.alarcon@udp.cl.

José Joaquín Brunner, Diego Portales University

José Joaquín Brunner is professor emeritus at Diego Portales University, Chile. He is also the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Higher Education Systems and Policies and is responsible for the doctoral program in higher education, which is offered jointly by the University of Diego Portales and the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. E-mail: josejoaquin.brunner@gmail.com.

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Published

2025-08-05

How to Cite

Alarcón, M., & Joaquín Brunner, J. (2025). Student Loans or Taxes? Financing Reform in Chile. International Higher Education, (122), 35–36. Retrieved from https://ejournals.bc.edu/index.php/ihe/article/view/20197

Issue

No. 122 (2025): Spring Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 International Higher Education

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