Assessment of Family Income on Academic Performance of Tertiary Students: The Case of Ho Polytechnic, Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between family income and the academic performance of tertiary students in Ghana, the case of Ho Polytechnic. The study focuses on the sources of family income, expenditure patterns of students on campus and students' performance. Case study under qualitative research design was used. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 480 students across the faculties in the Polytechnic. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data to support the secondary data. The study found a mixed significant relationship between higher family income and better students' academic performance based on the students' cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Thus, though family financial status affects students' performance to some extent, but it is not an essential predictor of higher academic performance. A good number of student respondents indicate that low family income does not necessarily lower their academic achievement. The study concludes that financial status of families/parents and the students' academic performance must be a shared responsibility for the purpose of mutual benefits in the future. Financial interventions from the government and other external parties are paramount for the future socio-economic growth of the nation, since these students are great assets and future leaders of the country. This study adds to the existing body of literature and also serves as a basis for future research.