Determinants of Students’ Retention in Open Online Flexible Distance Learning Higher Education Institutions

The study highlights the importance of student retention in Open Online Distance Learning (OODL) Higher Education Institutions, as it ensures sustained enrollment, enhances institutional reputation, and improves graduation rates. The research aims to assess the direct relationship between student satisfaction, prompt feedback, lecturers' quality, course design, and academic support services with students' retention in open online flexible distance learning higher education institutions. The researchers conducted surveys to collect primary data, carefully selecting reliable and valid measurements based on a thorough review of previous research. A total of 588 surveys were distributed, and 476 were returned, resulting in a satisfactory response rate of 81%. Out of the returned surveys, 433 were considered clean and appropriate for analysis. The researchers utilized Smartpls4 software for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The study proposed five hypotheses, and the results confirmed a significant relationship between academic support services, course design, lecturers' quality, prompt feedback, student satisfaction, and student retention. Future research could explore the specific needs of diverse student populations and conduct longitudinal studies to track student experiences beyond the first year. The findings have implications for policymakers, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and students. Policymakers can develop policies that promote student well-being and address equity gaps, while HEIs can improve their teaching practices, course design, and support services to create a more student-centered learning environment.