THE AFFECTING FACTORS FOR DECISION MAKING TO STUDY IN HIGHER EDUCATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate factors that affected decision-making of upper secondary school students to do an undergraduate degree. It was quantitative research. Quantitative data from 2,816 upper secondary school students, in which quota sampling method was utilized, were gathered. Sample size was calculated by Yamane method with 95% confidence interval. Data of four main categories and eighteen sub-parameters were obtained by using a well-defined questionnaire. The represented data were arithmetic means and percentage of responses. The results showed that aspects affecting the decision of the upper secondary school students to continue a bachelor’s degrees, justified by the arithmetic means from the highest to the lowest, were as follows: courses and educational managements, accounted for 53.1%; an institution, 31.8%; accommodation and related facilities, 30.9%; and public relations, 50.5%. In terms of factors behind the decision-making, the results showed that the top four factors were as follows: high quality of university management and teaching, 40.7%; admission systems that meet student needs such as quota availabilities, 38.6%; the university offers a wide range of courses that are interesting and in high-demand in the labour market, 35.9%; and reasonable tuition fees, 34.1%. The findings provided useful information about factors behind the decision of the upper secondary school students to choose an institution for their undergraduate study. The results could be utilized for a proper strategic planning in order to encourage students to accept an offer of place from the University of Phayao.