To leave or not to leave? Critical factors for university dropout among first-generation students

Researchers who study university dropout have identified personal and organizational factors as crucial. The question is whether these factors affect first-generation students (FG) in the same way as they affect others (non-FG). Our sample consisted of 286 non-FGs and 250 FGs from three German universities, who responded to an online survey. For both groups, the quality of information before studying had a direct effect on the probability of student dropout. For FGs, the quality of information in the first semester increased self-efficacy and decreased the probability of student dropout. For non-FGs, both self-efficacy and the quality of information in the first semester decreased the perceived organizational constraints and hence the probability of student dropout. Recommendations for universities are discussed.

16.12.2015 | Stephanie Aymans & Simone Kauffeld (Braunschweig)