Dropout factors in higher education: a literature review

Dropping out of Higher Education is an international concern with an impact on Higher Education Institutions, in general, and on individual career paths, in particular. In order to prevent this phenomenon and support both institutions and students in their decision-making, it is urgent to identify evasion factors in higher education. A review made in published articles in international scientific journals between January 2014 and December 2018 is presented, based on the Longitudinal Institutional Evasion Model. The search was carried out in four databases, with combinations of the keywords dropout, departure, academic adjustment, college adjustment, academic integration, social integration, and higher education. Twenty-four articles that met the inclusion criteria were fully read. The articles were described and the content was systematized in meta-synthesis. Factors related to attributes prior to entering higher education were identified; objectives and commitments prior and subsequent to this entry; institutional experiences; academic and social integration. Evasion signaling measures were also identified. Implications for research, services and policies of Higher Education Institutions are discussed.