Multiple Enrollments: Clustering Dropout and Graduation Constellations in Business Administration Bachelor's Programme

ABSTRACT University students of Business Administration and related fields have high dropout rates, with previous research identifying student profiles of dropouts in business studies. Evidence is lacking for other university systems. Austria (Europe) allows for multiple enrollments and students with multiple enrollments accomplish more workload even after dropping out, compared to single enrollments. This study aimed to cluster Business Administration students per outcome constellation (graduation, dropout) on the dimensions workload and study duration. The sample consisted of 6151 students between the academic years of 2010/11 and 2022/23. Cluster analyses suggest that having multiple enrollments is related to higher workload and longer study duration. The clusters also indicate that benefits can be a second chance to graduate after dropping out from another programme. Transferability of passed exams is an important support mechanism. Future studies are needed to assess the performance of Business Administration students in the labor market dependent on their enrollments.