Factors Influencing Dropout Students in Higher Education

Dropout students are a severe problem in higher education (HE) in many countries. Student dropout has a tremendous negative impact not only on individuals but also on universities and socioeconomic. Consequently, preventing educational dropouts is a considerable challenge for HE’s institutions. Therefore, knowing the factors influencing student dropout is an essential first step in preventing students from dropping out. This study uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches. To determine what variables affect student dropout, we use a qualitative approach, after which the variables found will be validated by the public and stakeholders using a quantitative approach. Then, the next step is to classify variables using a quantitative approach. This study observes dropout students at private universities in Central Java, Indonesia. The findings reveal that personal economic factors, academic satisfaction, academic performance, and family economics are the most influential. The results of this paper are significant for universities in Indonesia, especially Central Java, to overcome the problem of student dropouts, so that they are more precise in making decisions. In addition, the results of this study are also helpful for further research as a basis for predicting students dropping out of university.