Key result
A peer mentoring program significantly lowered dropout rates and improved academic performance among 4,962 university students compared to controls over five academic years.
Why the study?
Peer mentoring programs aim to facilitate student integration and enhance retention and performance, but the effectiveness of such a program across multiple academic years encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic needed investigation.
Does a peer mentoring program reduce university dropout and improve academic performance in university students?
Observational (n=4,962)
No
Does a peer mentoring program reduce university dropout and improve academic performance in university students?
Peer mentoring programs in higher education significantly reduce dropout rates and improve academic performance, even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peer mentoring was associated with lower dropout and better performance; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Peer mentoring programs in higher education aim to facilitate student integration and enhance both retention and academic performance. This study investigated the effectiveness of a peer mentoring program at a Spanish university over five academic years (2018–19–2022–23), encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a quasi-experimental posttest-only control group design, we analyzed data from 4962 students (mentees: n = 2481; controls: n = 2481). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Cohen's d, phi coefficient, chi-square tests, and two-way ANOVA. Results demonstrated significantly lower dropout rates and higher academic performance among mentees compared to controls across all study years. These positive effects were observed inconsistently across most of the studied student characteristics, including gender, study choice order, region of origin, and field of study. Furthermore, our findings supported the mediating role of academic performance in the relationship between peer mentoring and dropout. This research provides valuable empirical evidence that supports the theoretical frameworks on peer mentoring, student development, and successful integration within the context of higher education, particularly during times of crisis. • Positive impact of peer mentoring on university dropout and academic performance. • Effects remained consistent over five years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. • Impacts were inconsistent across gender, field of study, and other demographics. • Peer mentoring affected dropout directly and indirectly through academic performance.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zárate et al. (2025) conducted an observational in University dropout and academic performance (n=4,962). Peer mentoring program vs. Controls (no peer mentoring) was evaluated on Dropout rates and academic performance. A peer mentoring program significantly lowered dropout rates and improved academic performance among 4,962 university students compared to controls over five academic years.