Title:
Motives for dropping out from higher education—An analysis of bachelor's degree students in Germany
Authors:
Andreas Behr, Marco Giese, Herve D. Teguim Kamdjou & Katja Theune
Published:
European Journal of Education, 2 March 2021
Abstract:
The increasing number of students enrolled in higher education institutions and the growing demand in the labour market for university graduates make the analysis of study success and study dropout more and more important. Dropping out from higher education is a complex process and students have very different motives for leaving university without obtaining a degree. We provide a detailed analysis of the different dropout reasons and aim at identifying distinctive types of dropout students using cluster analysis. The most important reasons for leaving university without a degree were in this study observed to be mainly related to interest and expectations concerning study programmes as well as aspects associated with student performance. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we have found that the dropout decision was based on a variety of reasons, rather than a clear single motive. Our results provide higher education institutions insights into the process of dropping out and thereby a basis for suitable and more specific countermeasures.