Factors Affecting the Dropout Rate Among Information Technology Students: A Basis for an Intervention Plan

Student dropout is one of the challenges commonly encountered by learning institutions. It has been a problem and several studies have been conducted to know the reasons for dropping out to craft solutions appropriate and contextualized to different types of learning institutions. This study seeks to determine the dropout rates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology students in a state university in Nueva Ecija, Philippines during the Academic Year 2020-2021. The study was conducted in time of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic to understand the reasons of the IT students for dropping out. Descriptive research design was used in this study and statistical treatment such as frequency and percentage distributions were used to quantitatively describe the data. Results revealed that there is a 10.79% decrease in enrollment from the first semester during the second semester of Academic Year 2020-2021, majority of the students who have not enrolled are from the first year level, and the three major reasons why student-respondents decided to stop schooling are (1) availability of resources, (2) financial difficulties, and (3) conflicts with their work schedules. Researchers suggest that to lessen the number of student dropouts, instructors are encouraged to motivate their students, especially those in the first year level to continue their studies and strive to excel in their chosen program. Also, the guidance and counseling office of the college may craft programs and activities to boost the interest of the students to study hard amidst the challenges they encounter. Lastly, the students may be informed and introduced to different financial assistance such as scholarships available in the university.