The structural backwardness of Central American universities

Abstract

This article analyzes the structural lag of Central American universities within the Latin American context, based on comparative evidence on financing, expenditure per student, and international rankings. It argues that this lag is driven by structural factors such as low effective investment per student, high budget rigidity, limited research capacity, and weak linkage between higher education and productive development. Using international data and specialized literature, significant gaps are identified compared to Latin America and, more markedly, OECD countries. The study concludes that the main challenge is not only to increase funding, but to reorient it toward performance, strengthen governance, and enhance innovation systems.