Do decentralized campuses promote equality of educational opportunity? The case of the University of Turin

Since the 1990s, through legislative measures such as Law 168/1989, Law 537/1993, and Ministerial Decree 47/2013, the University of Turin, like many major Italian universities, has established decentralized branches. These teaching sites—also referred to as “extra-metropolitan locations” or “satellite campuses”—are situated in municipalities other than that of the university’s registered headquarters. Currently, the University of Turin operates seven decentralized locations, offering a total of 24 degree programs.Existing research has shown that decentralized university sites can contribute to local economic development while addressing institutional objectives such as reducing congestion at the main campus. This study seeks to explore whether these decentralized teaching sites also serve as effective instruments for reducing inequalities in educational opportunities. Specifically, it examines their role in promoting university access for students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and non-traditional student groups, such as working students or adult learners. The empirical analysis utilizes a unique dataset combining administrative records with survey data collected via a multipurpose questionnaire administered to first-year bachelor’s and master’s degree students at the University of Turin in the 2022-2023 academic year (N = 17,041)