Understanding the Hidden Crisis: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Student Dropout Factors in Higher Education

Turner, Tommy and Depoo, Lucie (2025) Understanding the Hidden Crisis: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Student Dropout Factors in Higher Education. Journal of Applied Technical and Educational Sciences, 15 (1). pp. 1-20. ISSN 2560-5429

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Abstract

Student dropout affects 40-80% of higher education students globally, yet limited research examines institutional practices in private business education. Building on Tinto's and Bean's theoretical frameworks, this study analyses multidimensional dropout factors through content analysis of 287 student responses from a private business university (2017-2025). Using validated coding methodology (κ = 0.87), nine categories emerged: financial issues (75 occurrences), communication problems (65), academic misalignment (55), assessment issues (45), administrative burden (40), format inflexibility (35), cultural concerns (30), technical problems (25), and personal circumstances (150). Key institutional barriers included high costs (28), poor information quality (18), curriculum mismatch (20), and electronic testing criticism (18). While personal circumstances dominated, substantial institutional factors represent addressable barriers. The research contributes theoretically by empirically validating dropout categorizations and practically by providing a transformation framework successfully implemented by the case institution through student-centred reforms.

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