Access, dropout, and completion in public Higher Education: evidence for a cohort of students

Abstract

The study that gave rise to this article followed the trajectory of a cohort of students from a public Higher Education Institution. Using longitudinal data from the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS, by its acronym in Portuguese) corresponding to 1,882 new entrants in 2013, and their enrollment status six years after enrollment, the study investigates which characteristics of students, and the institution are associated with dropout and completion. In 2019/2, 11.2% of the freshmen in 2013 remained at the Institution, 27.4% had completed and 54.6% had dropped out. It was found that being a woman, entering the age group of up to 20 years old, living in the rural area, studying for a bachelor’s degree, and receiving social support are factors associated with lower chances of dropout and greater chances of completing the course and, still, that some results, such as the greatest chances of completion and permanence for rural students, are more linked to the specific configuration of UFFS and to positive initiatives implemented within.

Higher Education; Access; Dropout; Conclusion; UFFS