Should they stay, or should they go: drop out in higher education

Abstract

Dropping out of higher education is a global phenomenon which affects virtually all universities. The main aim of this research is to determine the factors which have the most predictive value for students’ satisfaction with their studies and dropout intentions. The research was conducted on the sample of 673 students who completed a self-description questionnaire which included 22 dimensions of students’ perceptions of their studies. Based on a two-step cluster analysis, we have identified the group of students at risk of dropout. ANOVA has shown that the two groups differ on almost all investigated dimensions. Individual-related factors, developed in a specific context, are the main predictors of students’ dropout from higher education. Understanding of these factors can improve the system of early detection of students at risk of dropping out.