Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM

This study analyzes the socioeconomic, institutional, and personal factors that influence student dropout at the National University of Moquegua (UNAM), with the main objective of identifying the most significant determinants to guide effective retention strategies. Based on data collected through a...

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Main Authors: Hugo Marca Maquera, Mario Coyla Zela, Rene Paz Paredes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1598687/full
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author Hugo Marca Maquera
Mario Coyla Zela
Rene Paz Paredes
author_facet Hugo Marca Maquera
Mario Coyla Zela
Rene Paz Paredes
author_sort Hugo Marca Maquera
collection DOAJ
description This study analyzes the socioeconomic, institutional, and personal factors that influence student dropout at the National University of Moquegua (UNAM), with the main objective of identifying the most significant determinants to guide effective retention strategies. Based on data collected through a face-to-face survey conducted during the first semester of 2024 with a sample of 771 students (including both regular students and dropouts), a logistic regression model was applied to estimate the marginal effects of various factors on dropout probability. Results indicate that parental motivation serves as a strong protective factor, with frequent encouragement reducing dropout risk by 7.8 percentage points and very frequent motivation by 16.8 points. In contrast, having a mother without formal education or a father working in commerce significantly increases the risk. Access to a computer and internet at home correlates with lower dropout rates. Institutionally, receiving substantial homework decreases the likelihood of dropout, while poor class scheduling (27.5 percentage points), difficulty accessing campus (20.2), and negative perceptions of library quality (10.9) raise it. Student-related factors such as being male, studying fewer hours per day, and having children are also associated with increased dropout risk. The findings underscore that university dropout is driven by a combination of structural and individual elements, highlighting the need for institutions to strengthen academic and logistical support systems while fostering supportive family environments.
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spelling doaj-art-460e0199d1364c9c82433ba3b64fdb452025-08-20T02:57:48ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-08-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15986871598687Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAMHugo Marca Maquera0Mario Coyla Zela1Rene Paz Paredes2School of Public Management and Social Development, National University of Moquegua (UNAM), Moquegua, PeruSchool of Public Management and Social Development, National University of Moquegua (UNAM), Moquegua, PeruDepartment of Economic Engineering, National University of the Altiplano, Puno, PeruThis study analyzes the socioeconomic, institutional, and personal factors that influence student dropout at the National University of Moquegua (UNAM), with the main objective of identifying the most significant determinants to guide effective retention strategies. Based on data collected through a face-to-face survey conducted during the first semester of 2024 with a sample of 771 students (including both regular students and dropouts), a logistic regression model was applied to estimate the marginal effects of various factors on dropout probability. Results indicate that parental motivation serves as a strong protective factor, with frequent encouragement reducing dropout risk by 7.8 percentage points and very frequent motivation by 16.8 points. In contrast, having a mother without formal education or a father working in commerce significantly increases the risk. Access to a computer and internet at home correlates with lower dropout rates. Institutionally, receiving substantial homework decreases the likelihood of dropout, while poor class scheduling (27.5 percentage points), difficulty accessing campus (20.2), and negative perceptions of library quality (10.9) raise it. Student-related factors such as being male, studying fewer hours per day, and having children are also associated with increased dropout risk. The findings underscore that university dropout is driven by a combination of structural and individual elements, highlighting the need for institutions to strengthen academic and logistical support systems while fostering supportive family environments.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1598687/fulluniversity dropoutstudent retentionsocioeconomic factorsacademic performanceparental motivation
spellingShingle Hugo Marca Maquera
Mario Coyla Zela
Rene Paz Paredes
Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
Frontiers in Education
university dropout
student retention
socioeconomic factors
academic performance
parental motivation
title Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
title_full Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
title_fullStr Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
title_full_unstemmed Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
title_short Factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at UNAM
title_sort factors at the household and university level that influence student dropout at unam
topic university dropout
student retention
socioeconomic factors
academic performance
parental motivation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1598687/full
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AT renepazparedes factorsatthehouseholdanduniversitylevelthatinfluencestudentdropoutatunam