Investigating Factors Influencing Student Withdrawal from Universities: A Questionnaire-Based Study at Arab Open University

Abstract

Student retention has become a major challenge in higher education institutions, particularly within online and blended learning environments. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing student withdrawal from courses offered at the Arab Open University, Al-Ahsa and Dammam branches, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Previous literature and relevant theories related to student retention were reviewed to identify the factors affecting students’ decisions to discontinue their studies.

The study examined academic, administrative, financial, and personal factors influencing student withdrawal and explored the relationships among these variables. A quantitative research approach was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed among 194 participants. The collected data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and the Chi-square test was applied to compare differences between groups.

The findings revealed that financial constraints, acceptance into other universities, concerns regarding blended learning, and perceptions related to certificate accreditation were among the most significant factors contributing to student withdrawal. The results also highlighted the importance of effective academic support, institutional communication, and student engagement in improving retention within online and blended learning environments.

The findings of this study may assist university administrators, policymakers, and academic leaders in developing effective strategies and support systems to reduce student withdrawal and enhance student retention, particularly during emergency situations such as future pandemics.