Abstract. This paper aims to identify characteristics of the good education, particularly higher education, in terms of pure public goods, mixed goods and merit goods, starting from classical and neoclassical theories on public goods. The experience of several economists showed that the nature of the good education is not seen strictly according to its intrinsic characteristics, but also in relation to the functions and benefits released. So, the conclusion of our study shows that education, particularly higher education, meets limited aspects of pure public goods (non-rivalry and nonexclusion property) in terms of functions performed.

Keywords: education; public goods; mixed goods; merit goods; private goods; externalities.