Socioeconomic factors and university student dropout

Abstract

The investigation adopted a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative) in order to analyze the different factors of dropout. Based on the analysis of the socioeconomic factors that constitute an element that affects student dropout at the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí ext.  Chone. The methods used were: Bibliographic, analytical/synthetic, inductive/deductive, documentary, and descriptive. The documentary method contributed to collecting information from the Academic Commission and Secretariat of this institution that contributed to supporting the research. The results showed that the main causes for student dropout are lack of time, work impediments, health problems, and economic situation. In the period from 2020 to 2023, 509 students were registered, of which 446 students graduated in different careers. According to the information collected through the teacher survey, it was determined that the main reasons for student dropout are linked to the lack of economic resources, work aspects, and family problems. At the level of conclusions and based on the data obtained, it was possible to demonstrate that socioeconomic factors constitute an element that affects student dropout. Factors such as academic, economic, family, intention to drop out, motivational, health, and social factors can influence university student dropout.