Dr. Josefina S. Esguerra1, Dr. Julita G. Jacaban1, and Dr. Lloyd V. Orduña1
1 Faculty, Graduate School University of Baguio, Baguio City, Philippines
Abstract
The success of graduate programs lies in the extent to which they promote retention and curb attrition. Retention is an index of the quality of the program and the holding power of the school. This study sought to determine the retention and attrition rates in the University of Baguio Graduate School and the factors that represent hurdles to students in finishing a graduate degree. The mean retention rate for three school years from 2013 to 2016 was “very satisfactory.” The retention level in the UB Graduate School reflects a conducive learning environment in which the graduate programs have “very satisfactory” holding power on the graduate students. The mean attrition rate for three school years shows that close to 15% of students dropped out of or did not continue their graduate studies. Financial factors moderately influenced attrition rates, which in some of the graduate programs lowered the retention rate. The course requirements such as the thesis/ dissertation were delay factors and caused attrition. There was an interplay of factors that moderately influenced attrition, with financial factors as lead areas that impinge upon the programs’ retention rate. These factors should be the foci of efforts to curb attrition and enhance retention in the UB Graduate School. Given the findings, a monitoring system for graduate students is recommended.
Keywords: retention, attrition, financial factors, academic factors, social factors
| Published February 19, 2020 |
Issue UB RJ Vol. 43, No. 2 2019 |
