Analysis of student drop-outs: Basis for enhanced retention policy

The study focused on the analysis of existing data available at the Office of the University Registrar in one of the Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEI) in the province of Bulacan. PHEI's across the country are dependent on the revenues from collected tuition fees on students. The study was limited to the completed and submitted dropping and honorable dismissal forms from SY 2020-2021 up to SY 2022- 2023 from Kinder to Senior High School. Secondary data were collected, and data mining and coding were utilized in the conduct of the study. This method helped the researchers in understanding patterns and in extracting useful information. The researchers obtained approval and clearance from the Research Ethics and Committee (REC) of the university.

Results of the study revealed for the last three (3) School Years, the enrolment summary and attrition rates are continuously fluctuating. Decline in enrolment was associated with the onset of pandemic in 2020. Parents were economically affected due to unemployment. However, relocation and distance from the university emerged as the topmost reasons of students for dropping out, followed by financial issues. Educational system, personal/social issues and health issues comes after. Academic concerns of students were the least common reason for dropping out.

It is advised that “Parent Involvement” be incorporated into each student's personalized study plan in order to keep them from dropping out. It's also advised that the bond between parents, teachers, and students be strengthened. One of the most important things that academic institutions can do to support students in conveying their conduct, attitude, attendance, conveying their conduct, attitude, attendance, and class performance is to provide them with guidance from mentors or class advisers. To effectively address students' problems and keep them from leaving PHEIs, it may also be analyzed to improve the intervention programs offered by the Student Welfare Services.