Abstract:

The decision to leave university prematurely can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only students and their families but also educational institutions and society. This phenomenon represents more than personal failure; it leads to financial losses and damages the reputation of universities. Furthermore, it undermines the societal investment in higher education, failing to meet educational objectives (González et al., 2007).

This study delves into the intricate web of reasons behind university dropout, with a specific focus on a case study conducted within the undergraduate programs at Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC). Several factors contribute to this complex issue, including inadequate academic guidance, motivational hurdles, program complexity, misalignment between student expectations and academic requirements, and financial constraints (Hurtado-Parrado et al., 2019; Garvín et al., 2018; Agudo, 2017, among others).

Recent research emphasizes the pivotal role of academic engagement in mitigating dropout rates. Academic engagement encompasses students’ commitment and connection to their academic pursuits, leading to psychological fulfillment (Carmona-Halty et al., 2017; Martínez & Salanova, 2003). It comprises three essential components: vigor, dedication, and absorption.

Studies indicate that students who exhibit higher levels of academic engagement tend to perform better academically and are less likely to drop out (Salanova et al., 2009). To tackle this issue, interventions aimed at fostering academic engagement and providing robust support systems have proven effective in Spanish universities (Rowe et al., 2021). Additionally, mentoring programs have emerged as a promising approach to bolster student support and reduce dropout rates (Szakál et al., 2022).

Keywords:

University dropout, Higher Education.