Factors for choosing Higher Education Institutions: a systematic review of the literature

Every year, many students apply to study for a degree at Higher Education Institutions, particularly in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Understanding students’ choices when selecting a Higher Education Institution has become a key differentiating factor. This study identifies various factors, their relative importance, and how they vary based on student characteristics and preferences. The findings of this study can be used by Higher Education Institutions to better understand prospective students’ needs and adapt their recruitment strategies accordingly. The review identified 192 candidate studies, of which 14 were analyzed. The analysis of these papers provided evidence of diverse factors influencing students’ choices when selecting Higher Education Institutions. Almost all the analyzed studies used surveys or questionnaires to gather information, and the number of questions asked was highly variable. The analysis of the results suggested that the cost of tuition or education, job offers, and the quality of the degree were the most common choice factors. Higher Education Institutions that can understand the main determinants of students’ choice factors are able to focus their strategies to attract new audiences and to maintain the current ones, through follow-up actions, improvement of processes, and better communication and improve their resources, to better and more effectively achieve their goals.