Poor Youth at Public Universities: Access and permanence

Abstract Public policies have been recently implemented in Brazil to expand access of youth to higher education. Initiatives such as REUNI, PROUNI and quota laws were decisive for the strong increase in the number of students in higher education. This article describes and analyses how these policies were appropriated and implemented by Brazil's public universities, using as an empiric reference the Federal University at the Southern Border (UFFS). Using qualitative research methods and techniques (document analysis) and a quantitative method (a closed institutional questionnaire) the study revealed a significant change in the profile of the youth who have entered the public university studied. The institutional policies for access brought to the university youths and women with less educational preparation and family income up to three minimum wages.