Correlating Reasons for Student Dropouts and Socioeconomic Factors at a State University from a Rural Province on the Philippines
Abstract
This descriptive-correlational study determined the students’ reasons for dropping their studies, amid the newly implemented free tuition law in state universities and colleges. It also explored their relationship with the students’ socioeconomic factors. Thirty-six (36) student dropouts from academic years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 of the cohort state university in the rural province were chosen through systematic random sampling. Structured interviews using closed and open-ended questions were carried out through phone calls or direct messaging. Reasons for student dropouts that emerged are financial and economic, family and personal, academic, and engagement-related reasons. Test of correlation revealed that respondents’ residence, gender, and family income are significantly related to their reasons for dropping. It can be concluded that despite the free tuition law, financial and economic factors remain the prevalent reason for dropping. Further, the more inaccessible the residence, the lower the family income, and being female, the more likely to drop out due to financial reasons and personal problems. Lastly, respondents suggested improving the institution’s various student services, such as scholarships, admission, hostel, and guidance among others.
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