The Effect of Student Financial Constraints on University Non-Completion Rates

Abstract

The year 2009 saw the government of Zimbabwe redesigning cost-sharing in higher education to lean more towards higher contributions by students and private players. This study was aimed at investigating the effects that this strategy has on university completion rates by students from low socio-economic backgrounds. The study used a quantitative design methodology in a longitudinal study framework incorporating data from three cohorts embarking on four-year study programmes from 2009 to 2014. Administrative data from the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education database involving six state universities was used. The findings reveal that the graduation rates decreased from 86% in the 2009 cohort to 76% in the 2010 cohort and 75% in the 2011 cohort. This finding coincides with the period from 2013 onwards when cadetship funds dried off. Thus the study clearly revealed a problem of increasing attrition rates creeping into the revered and quality-assured Zimbabwean higher education system. The study recommends the need for conceited efforts by the private sector, government and universities in funding higher education through loans and other forms of sponsorship.