Low wages, intermittent work, a high proportion of part-time work, and a limited presence of productive activities. A scenario that, in Sardinia, prevents a degree from being financially profitable.
This is what emerges from a CISL analysis based on the most recent data released by ISTAT, INPS, the Bank of Italy, and the AlmaLaurea 2026 report.
Educational qualifications, however, continue to make a difference. The average hourly wage rises from 12.4 euros for those with lower levels of education to 15 euros for high school graduates and 22 euros for graduates. AlmaLaurea reports that, one year after graduation, the employment rate reaches 81.2% among bachelor's degree holders and 80.8% among master's degree holders; after five years, it rises to 91.7% and 94.4%. The increase in opportunities, however, is not accompanied by adequate wage growth. One year after graduation, the average net monthly wage is 1,491 euros for bachelor's degree holders and 1,495 euros for master's degree holders: a difference of 4 euros . Only in the long term are the differences noticeable: five years after graduation, the wages reach 1,796 euros for bachelor's degree holders and 1,903 euros for master's degree holders. "Studying," comments CISL regional secretary Mirko Idili, "helps you find work, but in Sardinia this advantage struggles to translate into a decent salary. It's unacceptable that a long and demanding course of study is rewarded so little."
Contract quality also remains a critical factor. One year after graduation, 40.2% of bachelor's degree holders and 28.7% of master's degree holders have permanent contracts; fixed-term contracts account for 27.5% and 24.5%, respectively.
Part-time work is a key factor in the island's employment, accounting for 34.8% of private non-agricultural sector employees, compared to the Italian average of 27.5%. Among female workers, the percentage rises to 53.5%, compared to the national average of 44.2%. And there's a risk of flight.
