Analysis of antecedent factors in academic achievement and student retention

Abstract

PurposeStudent achievement and retention are two important components that indicate the quality of a university. This is in line with one of the standards of university accreditations regarding the quality of students and graduates, which are set by BAN-PT, an institution that guarantees the quality of National Education Service delivery at every university in Indonesia. The purpose of this paper is analyzing the internal and external factors that contribute to academic achievement and student retention.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a causal explanatory-based study, using multiple regression analysis among five independent variables and two dependent variables separately. Several sequential tests are conducted to maintain the proper research results, such as reliability, normality, multi-collinearity and heteroscedasticity.FindingsThis paper provides empirical facts that student motivation has a significant positive impact on the level of student academic achievement, and the quality of lecturers has a significant positive impact both on student academic achievement and retention rates.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conducted within the context of a university. The generalization in the study is low. Researchers are encouraged to explore further.Practical implicationsThis paper is expected to provide constructive feedback to university management in setting policies that are oriented toward strategic actions to optimize academic achievement and maintain their students.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights of good university governance concerning in higher education management.