The The Historical and Institutional Evolution of Non-University Higher Education and Its Current Trends in the Province of San Juan

Abstract

Higher education in Argentina currently comprises two sub-sectors that have undergone distinct socio-historical processes—including specific phases of consolidation, hierarchization, expansion, and contraction—while maintaining a degree of interconnection. These are the University Higher Education sector and the Non-University Higher Education sector. This article focuses its analytical lens on the latter, examining the historical processes behind its emergence and expansion, as well as the various stages of growth and contraction it has experienced, particularly since the mid-20th century. Additionally, the article presents a descriptive statistical study of the current structure of this educational sector in the province of San Juan, detailing the geographical distribution of institutions, the composition of academic offerings, and student and faculty enrollment figures. This analysis draws on a productive dialogue with specialized literature and a survey of national and provincial institutional data sources to characterize the current state of this educational sector within the territory of San Juan.