Lived Experiences of Student Dropout: A Phenomenological Study in a Free Higher Education Institution in the Philippines

Student dropout continues to pose a serious challenge in Philippine higher education, even within tuition-free institutions intended to promote access and equity. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of students who dropped out of a free public higher education institution in the Philippines, focusing on the personal, academic, and institutional factors that influenced their decision to leave. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, 30 former students who officially dropped out during the second semester of Academic Year 2023–2024 were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and core experiences. Findings revealed that dropout was driven by financial struggles, family obligations, low academic readiness, and weak institutional support. Despite free tuition, students faced hidden costs such as transportation, daily meals, and learning materials, which compounded their difficulties. Many reported a lack of connection to faculty and limited awareness of available assistance programs. The study concludes that eliminating tuition is not enough to prevent dropout. It recommends the implementation of targeted interventions such as transportation subsidies, flexible class schedules, peer mentoring, mental health services, and academic bridging programs. These holistic, student-centered strategies are critical for building inclusive, supportive, and retention-focused environments in higher education.