Survey on the Demand for University Education in Lazio

The DataLab of the University of Tuscia has launched a sample survey addressed to families of students aged 16–18 residing in the Lazio region, with the aim of analysing the determinants of university education demand, the motivations behind degree choices, and the factors influencing territorial mobility and future employment expectations.

The survey is part of Flagship FP6 – Predictive analysis of education demand and digital support for university decision-making processes, and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education, promoting equitable and inclusive access to higher education;
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, through the analysis of employment expectations and the alignment between training and required skills;
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, by exploring economic and territorial barriers affecting university choice.

The survey was conducted on a representative sample of Lazio households through 500 online CATI interviews, based on a structured multi-section questionnaire. It explores awareness of the regional university offer, perceptions of quality and proximity of university campuses, the impact of transport and housing costs on educational choices, and families’ willingness to support off-site studies. The data collected are currently being analysed at the DataLab using multivariate methods (cluster analysis, logistic regressions, and mobility propensity models).

Some Preliminary Findings:

1. Access and family background (SDG 4 – Quality Education)

Preliminary analyses show that parents’ educational attainment significantly influences students’ intention to pursue university studies. Families with at least one university-educated parent show a higher propensity for enrolment, while students from families with lower education levels are more often undecided or oriented toward vocational paths. Economic conditions also play a crucial role: students from families reporting financial difficulties show a lower intention to enrol and a greater sensitivity to transportation and housing costs.

2. Territorial mobility and resources (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)

About half of respondents declared their willingness to move for study reasons, but with notable differences by socio-economic background: students from lower-income families prefer nearby universities, highlighting how economic constraints reduce mobility and, consequently, access to more competitive academic programs. Ongoing analyses aim to identify the profiles of students most affected by these barriers to guide targeted policy actions and promote equal opportunities in higher education.

3. Motivations for disciplinary choice and job prospects

Personal interest and employment opportunities emerge as the main factors influencing degree area choices. However, some gender differences are observed: female students show greater attention to alignment between studies and personal interests, while male students place more emphasis on employment prospects and university reputation. These findings, currently under further investigation, point to the need for personalized guidance strategies to support informed educational choices.

📊 Final results will be presented at a public seminar in December 2025 at the University of Tuscia and subsequently published on the DataLab website.



Stay tuned!