Understanding University Dropout Among Generation Z: A Study Based on Student Withdrawals in Five Faculties

This article explores the phenomenon of university dropout, a concerning issue present in universities worldwide, focusing on young people from Generation Z, who currently represent the largest group of students. Generation Z youth demonstrate distinctive educational behaviours that make the recruitment and retention approaches used for previous student generations less effective. Growing up in the digital age, they prefer flexible, personalized, online learning environments, show a strong orientation towards practical results, are attracted to the idea of entrepreneurship, and seek financial independence and fast professional growth. The research aims to identify the socioeconomic, institutional and individual factors that lead to the decision to drop out of university studies, as well as the specific behaviours that influence or determine withdrawal. Data were collected through a survey, applied to students from five faculties who voluntarily withdrew their enrolment files and abandoned their academic trajectories in the period of June-November 2024. Their analysis highlights a complex interaction between individual expectations, socioeconomic pressures, the perceived relevance of academic programs, and the quality of student counselling services. Based on the interpretation of the empirical results, the article proposes a series of strategic recommendations for improving student retention policies, mainly targeting support services adapted to the characteristics of Generation Z, offered through career counseling and guidance centers.