Leaving university early has significant implications, affecting not only the students and their families but also the broader educational environment and society. This decision leads to financial losses and damages institutional reputations, undermining the investment in higher education.

This empirical study at Rey Juan Carlos University explores this issue by employing Multiple Regression Analysis to examine the relationship between dropout rates and various academic factors across multiple degree programs, including entrance scores, academic performance, efficiency rates, and average duration of studies. The study population comprises students who enrolled in the first year of their degree programs from the academic years 2017/18 to 2022/23, with data provided by the Vice-Rectorate for Academic Organization of the university.

Additionally, the research highlights university engagement by comparing dropout rates between the general student body and those who are more involved in university life. It focuses on students in representation activities and mentorship programs to assess the impact of such engagement on their academic perseverance. The findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing university dropout rates and the potential of university engagement as a mitigating factor.

This comprehensive analysis lays the groundwork for strategies to reduce dropout rates and improve student retention in higher education, emphasizing the importance of a data-driven approach.

Authors:
Raquel Montes Diez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain
Oriol Borrás Gené, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain
Ma. Carmen De la Calle Durán, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain
Teodor A. Diaconescu, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain

About the Presenter(s)
Raquel Montes Díez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, and Statistics and Operations Research at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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