Relationship between cost-related factors and student retention in part-time teacher education programs in universities: The case of Kabarak University

Abstract

This study sought to establish the relationship between cost-related factors and student retention in part-time teacher education programs at Kabarak University in Nakuru County, Kenya. Student retention in part-time teacher education programs has been a critical concern to most universities in Kenya and beyond. This study used a close-ended questionnaire, a focus group discussion and an interview schedule as the data collection instruments. The study adopted a case study design. The main sampling techniques that were used in this study were census and purposive sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the part-time program, which is the main interest of the researcher, part-time teacher-education programs, as well as the university under study. The target population was a total of 261 students enrolled in the Part-time Teacher Education Program with a sample size of 155 students. The results displayed that there is a statistically significant negative relationship between cost-related factors and student retention (r= -0.434**;p<0.01). The study concludes that the problem of low student retention in universities is exemplified by the ever-increasing tuition in institutions, which could have a significant impact on student retention. The study recommended that universities should focus on financial aid programs from the start of student studies, particularly those from low-income families, and find ways to meet their tuition costs. This approach would lead to increased student retention at the university.