Impact of Socio-economic Factors on Undergraduate Students’ Academic Performance in Bangladesh: A Case Study at Social Science Faculty, University of Dhaka

Abstract

This study attempts to identify the potential impacts of socio-economic factors on undergraduate students’ academic performance in Bangladesh. In this study, cross-sectional primary data have been collected from 300 randomly selected undergraduate students of the Social Science faculty, University of Dhaka. Among them, 164 are male students and 136 are female students. Sample students have been selected randomly through a simple random sampling method and a structured questionnaire containing both closed and open-ended questions has been used to collect data. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) model is used to find out the impacts of all these socio-economic variables on undergraduate students’ academic performance or CGPA (Cumulative grade point average). The OLS estimation technique is used for estimating slope coefficients of independent variables. The main findings of this study show that class attendance, study hour, previous academic results, university admission test scores, family income, father’s education, mother’s education, and group study have a positive and significant impact on under-graduate students’ CGPA (Cumulative grade point average). And the dummy variables of gender, participation of part time-job, and extra-curriculum activities have a negative impact on CGPA. By analyzing the findings of this paper, it can be concluded that the academic performance of undergraduate students can be improved by motivating students about their regular class attendance and per day study hours, providing strong educational basement at the school and college level, providing free adult education, giving financial support to the students of a poor family, ensuring ICT based education system and free internet access for both teachers and students.