The incidence of quality assurance processes on dropout and degree completion. The case of economics programmes in Colombia

Education is both an opportunity and a challenge in developing countries to mitigate inequality and improve societal welfare. Quality assurance systems are essential in enhancing the opportunities for the most socially vulnerable populations to receive a quality education. This article uses a before-after comparison to evaluate the impact of external accreditation on Colombian programmes’ student permanence. The results show that programme quality accreditation reduced the likelihood of dropout but did not affect graduation during students’ educational trajectories. The study also demonstrates that quality assurance impacted the retention of students with more recognised risk factors for attrition, such as women and students from lower socioeconomic and academic backgrounds. The quality assurance policies underscore the importance of levelling the educational field for society. Still, these quality systems must seek ways to enhance student retention and degree attainment.