The objective of the research was to verify whether the difference in academic performance of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of quotas in the National High School Exam (ENEM) is reduced in comparison to that found by examining the Coefficient of Academic Performance (CAP). It also analyzes whether this reduction impacted the lives of graduates. The quantitative research found that the academic performance of the beneficiaries of the quota in the ENEM exam was lower, when the CAP is analyzed, 64.91% of the sub-variables indicated that there was no difference in performance between the two groups. The qualitative research found that in 100% of the statements made by undergraduate beneficiaries it was expressed a feeling that entering in the UFES and obtaining a degree resulted in changes in their lives.