Abstract

This essay studies the role of the dysfunctions of the university system in determining 'fuoricorsismo'. The phenomenon can be understood in different theoretical context, such as the human capital model, the model of signalling, of job search and bargaining within the family. Nevertheless, it is the human capital theory that provides the most compelling theoretical context. In general, the factors that reduce the returns and increase the cost of tertiary education can drive students to choose to remain into a limbo in between education and work. The institutional context provides another factor: free access to university by students with a nonacademic background, the weak link between university credits and study programs, the inefficient organization of teaching activities do the rest. The analysis proposes different policy tools to reduce this enormous cost for individuals, households and the university system as a whole.