Study Calls for Targeted Support to Combat High University Dropout Rates in Spain
A study from the University of La Laguna suggests that Spanish universities must implement stage-specific support strategies to address the evolving social, economic, and academic factors that drive student dropout rates.
University dropout in Spain is a complex issue that requires a new approach to how schools support their students. A recent study from the University of La Laguna, led by Professor Juan José Sosa Afonso, argues that dropping out should not be viewed as a single event, but as a changing process that evolves as a student moves through their degree. The research, which draws on two decades of work by the team, suggests that support strategies must be tailored to the specific stage of a student's education to be truly effective.
Supported by the Ministry of Education, the study tracked over 2,500 students across five Spanish universities. The findings show that factors like financial instability, family responsibilities, and gender play a significant role in dropout rates. In some cases, up to 30% of the reasons for leaving are linked to social and economic issues, highlighting the difficulty universities face in trying to offset external inequalities.
The study also found that the reasons for dropping out change over time. In the early years, students are more likely to leave due to a lack of motivation or because the course did not meet their expectations. By the later years, the primary concerns shift to social integration, relationships with professors, and overall satisfaction with the institution. This helps explain why fields like Engineering and Architecture often see higher dropout rates, while students in Health Sciences—who often have a clearer view of their future careers—are more likely to stay.
To address these challenges, the researchers recommend moving beyond purely academic solutions. They suggest improving pre-university guidance and offering more personalized mentoring. The University of La Laguna is already putting these ideas into practice by focusing on smoother transitions between educational stages, ensuring that students receive the institutional support they need to succeed throughout their entire academic journey.