Determinants of student retention in UAE private higher education institutions: the mediating role of goal-setting

Introduction: In this digital era, higher education institutions, especially private institutions in the UAE, face low student retention. However, this is important for higher education institutions ' reputation, financial stability, and national development. This study addresses the key factors such as financial attitude, motivation to learn, and career aspiration along with the mediating role of goal setting to improve the overall impact. In short, this study aims to explore whether these factors are important to improve student retention in private higher education institutions in the UAE. Objectives: The main objective of the study's is to investigate the influences of financial attitudes, motivation to learn, and career aspirations on student retention in private universities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with particular focus on the mediating role of goal setting. Methods: Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and analysis was conducted using SmartPLS-4 through the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique (PLS-SEM). Results: The study's findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between financial attitudes, motivation to learn, career aspirations, and student retention. Furthermore, this study has also revealed the mediating role of goal setting in the relationship between financial attitude, motivation to learn, career aspiration, and student retention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that universities should consider financial attitudes, motivation to learn, and career aspirations when deploying student retention strategies. Moreover, this study's findings suggested that UAE universities work on a goal-setting approach, which can enhance students' academic engagement and success.