A survey conducted by Zuban, Córdoba and Associates revealed that 91% of respondents reject the idea that public universities are an unnecessary expense, while 76.2% disagree with the statement that the poor do not have access to these institutions. The analysis highlights that the majority of the population positively values the role of public universities in the country and considers them a national pride, with 86.4% agreeing on this, and that they contribute to social mobility, according to 80.7% of respondents.
Despite President Milei's criticisms of public universities, the majority of respondents do not share his views, although there is a significant percentage that supports some of his measures, resulting in divided opinions on specific issues. The audits undertaken by the government in universities have added additional tensions in the educational context.
These figures reflect a positive recognition of public education in Argentina, contrasting with the opinions expressed by President Milei. Despite the favorable perception of the population towards public universities, 34.8% of respondents believe that they should improve their efficiency in resource use, which could explain some support for Milei's veto.
Regarding President Milei's veto of the university financing law, 38.1% of respondents are in favor, while 59.3% oppose this measure. On the other hand, 99% of respondents believe that education is essential for the country's growth. The survey, conducted between October 11 and 13, 2024, with 1,900 cases and a margin of error of +/- 2.25%, shows a complex relationship between general perceptions of public universities and specific government policies, highlighting a division of opinions among the population.
