JOURNAL ARTICLE

Exploring the Attrition of Low-Income Students From Associate Degree Programs in Jamaica, After Receiving Full Financial Support.

  • Published In: Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 2026, v. 27, n. 4. P. 956 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Williams, Delize; Eiden-Dillow, Lisa 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates why low-income Jamaican students drop out of higher education programs despite receiving full tuition scholarships. Using qualitative interviews with 10 former associate degree students, four main reasons for attrition were identified: prioritization of financial needs beyond tuition, unsatisfactory academic performance, personal emotional challenges, and issues related to program administration. The study highlights that financial support covering tuition alone is insufficient, as students face additional expenses and emotional and institutional barriers. It recommends that higher education institutions implement proactive student support services—such as mindset interventions, mentorship, supplemental instruction, and academic advisement—and consider work/study programs and other initiatives to address students' broader financial and emotional needs to improve retention.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 2026/02, Vol. 27, Issue 4, p956
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Education
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:15210251
  • DOI:10.1177/15210251231216344
  • Accession Number:190645065
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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