Dropout in higher education and Vincent Tinto’s models: bibliographical research

Abstract Dropout is a universal problem. Its occurrence encompasses public and private institutions around the world. The loss of students represents the idleness of human and material resources in higher education institutions, while its causes are multiple. This article aims to explain dropout in higher education based on bibliographical research on the models developed by Vincent Tinto. More specifically, we sought to describe the variables that favor the occurrence of dropout, demonstrate the potentialities and limitations of the Student Integration Theory and compare it with the motivation and persistence/dropout model produced by this author. Methodologically, this is a qualitative study, considered as an exploratory and bibliographical research. Its corpus included classic and contemporary texts, relating their differences and similarities on the topic of dropout. The results show the changes undergone by the SIT and the change in the focus given by Tinto in his latest research; whose emphasis has shifted to students instead of institutions. This implied a greater focus on the social relationships built between individuals in the different spaces they frequent at the university.