Addressing the Risks of Student Turnover in Business Higher Education with Emphasis on Non-Traditional Students

This study investigates the factors influencing dropout rates among non-traditional students in business higher education, with particular focus on their perception and evaluation of study conditions. Through factor analysis of data collected over an eight-year period spanning pre- and post-COVID-19 eras, the research examines evolving patterns in student turnover within business study programs. The findings reveal four principal factors contributing to student attrition: program misalignment, career advancement conflicts, perceived information deficiency, and family obligations. The analysis highlights the growing significance of non-traditional student retention, as this demographic represents the majority of dropouts in the sample. The results demonstrate that work-study balance emerges as a critical challenge, particularly when students receive career promotions, leading to decreased perceived value of degree completion. Additionally, inadequate information flow and family responsibilities significantly impact persistence rates. These findings contribute to the understanding of non-traditional student retention in business education and provide insights for developing targeted intervention strategies. The study offers practical implications for higher education institutions seeking to enhance support systems for working professionals pursuing academic degrees.