The Backing Of University Eviction: Why Thousands Of Brazilians Are Leaving College And What Is The Impact Of This Decision?
Currently, the high costs of courses, worthless diplomas, and outdated education have led thousands of students to abandon higher education. In addition, the saturated job market can no longer absorb so many professionals.
Therefore, understand the main reasons for this phenomenon and explore more advantageous alternatives. ROO CORRÊA explains a bit about this phenomenon.
Crowded Colleges, Worthless Diplomas, And A Job Market Without Opportunities
The belief that a university diploma guarantees a stable financial life and a good job has proven to be a great illusion for many Brazilians.
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Data from the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP) reveals that in 2022, the dropout rate in Brazilian higher education reached 40% in public universities and 61% in private ones.
This phenomenon, which began to intensify since 2015, has been attributed to a combination of factors such as high costs, outdated curricula, and a saturated job market.
Consequently, the academic title is no longer valued as it used to be. Moreover, the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Institutions (ABMES) points out that the growth of distance education (EAD) has contributed to the increase in dropout rates.
Many courses offer low quality and little interaction between students and teachers.
Dropout In Brazilian Higher Education
Mass Dropouts: The Numbers Are Alarming
Recent research reveals that the dropout rate among Brazilian university students is alarming.
For example, in in-person courses at private institutions, nearly 61% of students abandon their studies before completion. In distance education (EAD), this number becomes even greater.
In public universities, the dropout rate is also concerning, reaching 40% of students.
The courses most affected by this abandonment trend are Law, Engineering (all), and in-person technological courses, which record more than 50% dropout.
In EAD, the number becomes even more absurd, with Administration courses hitting 70% dropout.
Reasons For Leaving College
Why Are Brazilians Leaving College?
The main reasons that lead students to abandon their university courses include various factors.
1. Empty Promises: A Diploma That Does Not Guarantee Employment
A few decades ago, having a higher education diploma meant good placement in the market.
However, today, the reality looks different: thousands of graduates are unemployed or working in areas unrelated to their training.
Thus, the oversupply of graduates in certain courses has led companies to stop valuing a diploma as a distinguishing factor.
2. Courses Without Practical Utility
Many students report that 80% of the subjects taught in college are useless in the real world.
Therefore, the skills most demanded by the market, such as financial management, digital marketing, and technology, require independent learning, through online courses and practical experience.
3. Outdated Teaching And Unprepared Teachers
Many higher education institutions still follow antiquated methods, based on excess theory and little practical application.
Moreover, poorly paid teachers with no market experience further compromise the quality of education.
The Cost And Return Of Higher Education
4. The High Cost And The Lack Of Financial Return
The tuition fees of private colleges are exorbitant.
Furthermore, even in public universities, the costs of housing, transportation, and educational materials weigh heavily on students’ budgets.
Faced with a investment without a clear return, many choose to drop out before going further into debt.
5. More Effective And Quick Alternatives
More and more Brazilians are choosing technical and vocational courses, which offer practical learning and quick integration into the job market.
Courses such as Nursing Technician, Software Developer, and Mechatronics offer high valuation and provide better salaries than many traditional degrees.
E-Learning: Solution Or Problem?
Distance education (EAD) has become the main bet of colleges to attract new students.
However, it also represents one of the main reasons for the decline in the quality of higher education in Brazil.
Among the problems pointed out are:
- Lack of interaction between students and teachers;
- Questionable quality of classes and instructional materials;
- Easier tests and assessments, producing unprepared professionals;
- Prejudice against EAD diplomas in the job market.
Although EAD offers accessibility, many institutions prioritize only profit from tuition, rather than training good professionals.
The Future Of Higher Education In Brazil
The current model of higher education in Brazil shows signs of failure.
Thus, without a deep reform that aligns degrees with market needs and offers a more dynamic and updated education, the tendency for dropout rates to increase will grow even more.
It is evident that currently, simply having a diploma is not enough.
The market seeks real skills, critical thinking, and adaptability – aspects that many colleges are not prepared to offer.
The question remains: is it worth spending years of your life and thousands of reais on a diploma that may lead you nowhere?


Eu, fisioterapeuta há quatro anos, cursei graduação com bolsa 100%, porém não tinha dinheiro p fazer um cursinho extra curricular, como muitos q eu conheço. Me formei apenas c o q aprendi na graduação. Agora aos poucos q estou fazendo alguns cursos e duas pós ao mesmo tempo, careço de alguns equipamentos decentes p trabalhar,e no momento faço atendimento domicíliar p plano de saúde p 35 reais… Mas preciso acreditar q vai melhorar
O pessoal acha que o fato de ter um diploma universitário basta para ter uma oportunidade. O diploma abre a oportunidade de concorrer a vaga, mas só os melhores currículos serão chamados, e nessa a nome da universidade tem peso avassalador. Não se iludam!
Falta o velho e bom CHA!
Conhecimento, Habilidade e Atitude. Se faltar um desses, ninguém ficará empregado.