Exploring the Attrition of Low-Income Students From Associate Degree Programs in Jamaica, After Receiving Full Financial Support

Abstract

Financial barriers are readily touted as constraints facing low-income students who attempt to pursue studies at higher education institutions. With the removal of the barrier of tuition fees, this research study explored the reasons why low-income students still decided to drop out of their respective programs in higher education institutions in Jamaica, although full financial support was received. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 participants from two higher education institutions in Jamaica. Four themes emerged from the study as the reasons for their attrition, namely, the prioritization of financial needs, unsatisfactory academic performance, personal emotional issues, and program issues. These findings confirm that in addition to financial support to cover tuition fees, there are additional considerations for donor agencies as well as higher education institutions, if low-income students are to be aptly supported, and the risk of attrition, mitigated.