The student support system in mediating work-related dropout: a comparative analysis of four worlds of student funding.
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| Title: | The student support system in mediating work-related dropout: a comparative analysis of four worlds of student funding. |
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| Authors: | Kalalahti, Mira (AUTHOR), Põder, Kaire (AUTHOR), Lauri, Triin (AUTHOR), Hemilä, Pepita (AUTHOR), Skučienė, Daiva (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Studies in Higher Education. Mar2026, Vol. 51 Issue 3, p609-632. 24p. |
| Subjects: | Dropout rates (Education), Student financial aid, Educational finance, School dropouts, Tuition, Government aid, Comparative studies, Educational equalization |
| Geographic Terms: | Netherlands, Finland, Lithuania |
| Abstract: | While access to higher education is getting a lot of attention regarding equity of educational opportunities and inclusion, the challenges related to completion of studies are less studied. We concentrate on student funding and its complex effects on factors that can impede degree progress and lead students to drop out. Focusing on two components of funding – tuition and public support/grants – we analyze their role in diminishing dropout rates in special settings – four countries with different student funding policies. Our cases range from universal subsidy and no fees in Finland to benevolent need-based subsidies with universal tuition fees in the Netherlands. Estonia and Lithuania have conditional fee and subsidy systems, being low on both ends. We show that while tuition has no effect on dropout rates in our cases, public financial support does, but only in high-support regimes (Finland and the Netherlands). The effects of public financial support on student dropout primarily operate by decreasing students' work hours, in diminishing the intensity of working and studying at the same time, and thereby lowers the probability of work becoming a barrier for continuing education. Wealthier students drop out less frequently, independent of the funding regime, with the effect of wealth being smallest in Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | While access to higher education is getting a lot of attention regarding equity of educational opportunities and inclusion, the challenges related to completion of studies are less studied. We concentrate on student funding and its complex effects on factors that can impede degree progress and lead students to drop out. Focusing on two components of funding – tuition and public support/grants – we analyze their role in diminishing dropout rates in special settings – four countries with different student funding policies. Our cases range from universal subsidy and no fees in Finland to benevolent need-based subsidies with universal tuition fees in the Netherlands. Estonia and Lithuania have conditional fee and subsidy systems, being low on both ends. We show that while tuition has no effect on dropout rates in our cases, public financial support does, but only in high-support regimes (Finland and the Netherlands). The effects of public financial support on student dropout primarily operate by decreasing students' work hours, in diminishing the intensity of working and studying at the same time, and thereby lowers the probability of work becoming a barrier for continuing education. Wealthier students drop out less frequently, independent of the funding regime, with the effect of wealth being smallest in Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03075079 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03075079.2025.2482839 |
