Understanding College Student Attrition: The Case of Voluntary Withdrawal at Unity University College

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore why academically able
students at Unity University College (UUC) discontinue their education. The study
focused on part-time students who came to UUC with a strong motivation and
commitment for higher education but decided to leave even when they had the
required academic standard to continue learning. The study examined attrition from
the students’ perspective and probed their individual stories about their reason for
dropping out, stopping out, and reenrolling. It identified reasons that include
financial problems and a wide range of factors related to institutional support. The
attrition-persistence of the part-time students was found to be the function of the
interaction among the student, the institution, and the level of financial and
employment support students received.