Relationship between Entry Grades and Attrition Trends in the Context of Higher Education: Implication for Open Innovation of Education Policy

Jacob Cherian,Jolly Jacob,Rubina Qureshi,Vilas Gaikar

doi:10.3390/joitmc6040199

Abstract

Student retention has emerged as a significant and expensive challenge for higher education institutes worldwide. Although several studies have been conducted on increasing student numbers and diversity in higher education institutes, studies on the relationship between student retention and entry grades are limited, particularly in the UK. The aim of this paper was to examine the relationship between entry grades and student attrition in the context of higher education in the UK. A quantitative methodology was used in this study, wherein data were derived from secondary sources, including University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff points and full- and part-time undergraduate student enrolment between 2012 and 2017. The data were extracted and analyzed using Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) performance indicators. The findings indicate that there exists a clear association between entry grades and student retention for part-time students, which may aid policy makers, academics, university staff, and higher education stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies to address attrition levels.

Highlights

IntroductionThe already large student community is growing worldwide, among those pursuing higher education—both in full-time degrees and part-time higher education courses [1]
The already large student community is growing worldwide, among those pursuing higher education—both in full-time degrees and part-time higher education courses [1].Higher education institutions have long been concerned with student retention, with the aim that once students register for their education, they should remain and complete their course effectively, gaining the knowledge that they require
A recent report released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that in the last five years, student retention among full-time students in higher education institutes in the United Kingdom (UK) poses significant challenges following the first year [4,5,6]

Summary

Introduction

The already large student community is growing worldwide, among those pursuing higher education—both in full-time degrees and part-time higher education courses [1]. Higher education institutions have long been concerned with student retention, with the aim that once students register for their education, they should remain and complete their course effectively, gaining the knowledge that they require. Student attrition has emerged as a significant and expensive challenge for higher education institutes worldwide [2]. A recent report released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that in the last five years, student retention among full-time students in higher education institutes in the UK poses significant challenges following the first year [4,5,6].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion