Student Gratitute as a Mediator Between Satisfaction and Intention to Complete College Education

The steady decline in college completion intention has been a persistent and pervasive concern in higher education institutions across cultures. This study proposes and empirically examines student gratitude as a potential variable that might exert a worthwhile influence upon students' undergraduate degree completion intention. The study employs a research framework that includes student satisfaction, students' gratitude towards the educational institution, and their intention to complete undergraduate education. Data collection using questionnaire survey was conducted at a prominent college of business situated in South Korea. The research findings provide a meaningful avenue of insight into the psyche and behavior of college students. The results highlight the importance of both cognitive and emotional factors for students to remain in school. Both managerial and academic implications of the study are presented. Keywords student retention, student dropout, student satisfaction, sense of appreciation, gratitude, college completion intention, intention to complete college