Students’ Awareness, Attitude, and Experience on Scholarship Refund in Higher Education Institution

This study investigated the influence of students' awareness, attitude, and experience regarding scholarship refunds at Liceo de Cagayan University. Specifically, it examined students' awareness of the refund process, refund conditions, and communication, as well as their attitudes toward trust in the refund process, appreciation for financial support, and flexibility. Additionally, the study determined students' overall experiences in claiming refunds, focusing on the challenges they encountered and their perceptions of the process. A descriptive-correlational and causal research design was employed, utilizing the Raosoft calculator to select 175 CHED scholarship recipients from a total population of 318 scholars. Data were gathered through a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicated that while students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding refund policies and procedures, gaps in documentation clarity and communication effectiveness persisted. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between students' awareness, attitudes, and experiences with scholarship refunds. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis identified awareness of the refund process and trust in the refund system as the strongest predictors of students' overall experiences. Delays in disbursement, unclear policies, and procedural complexities contribute to student frustrations, impacting their confidence in the system. The study underscores the need for improved transparency, streamlined processes, and enhanced communication strategies to ensure a more efficient and student-friendly refund experience. These findings provided valuable recommendations for higher education institutions, administrators, and policymakers in optimizing financial aid systems to support student beneficiaries better and improve the overall scholarship refund process.