No. 1040 - Who Goes Online? Selection and performance in Italian higher education

Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional papers)
by Raffaello Bronzini, Luca De Benedictis, Edoardo Frattola and Elena Lazzaro
July 2026
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The number of students enrolled in online universities has increased substantially in Italy, reaching 15 per cent of total university enrollment. Using data covering the entire student population over the period 2010-21, this paper analyzes the characteristics and academic performance of students enrolled in online universities and compares them with those of students attending traditional universities.

Compared with students at traditional universities, those enrolled in online universities are older, have lower high-school grades and INVALSI test scores, and are more likely to live in Southern Italy. They are also less likely to drop out and they graduate sooner, although with lower final grades. Graduates from online universities perform less well than other students when they enroll in master's degree programs at traditional universities. Online universities make access to tertiary education viable for individuals who would otherwise be more likely to be excluded.

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  1. 24 July 2026
    No. 1040 - Who Goes Online? Selection and performance in Italian higher education
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