ERIC Number: EJ1431019
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2332-2969
EISSN: EISSN-2332-2950
Available Date: N/A
Understanding the Drivers of Student Loan Decision-Making and Its Impact on Graduation Rates in Ghanaian Public Universities
Ajara Mahmoud; Emmanuel Intsiful; Priscilla Tuffour; Fred Kofi Boateng
Policy Reviews in Higher Education, v8 n1 p85-101 2024
Higher education in countries like Ghana faces significant challenges, including financial barriers, which usually hinder students' educational progress and graduation rates. While some students usually rely on family support and personal savings, these resources are generally insufficient for covering all educational expenses. Although student loans have emerged as a beacon of hope to address these challenges, research on this topic, particularly in developing countries, has remained underexplored. This study, grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour, investigates the psychological factors influencing Ghanaian students' decisions to utilize student loans and the impact on graduation rates. Data is gathered from 114 Ghanaian students using a purposive sampling technique. The analysis reveals a positive correlation between favourable attitudes toward student loans and intentions to use them. Subjective norms significantly influence loan decisions, while perceived behavioural control has no significant impact. Also, loan decisions positively correlate with graduation rates, suggesting loans can enhance academic persistence. These findings highlight the need for responsible loan programs to improve graduation outcomes and socioeconomic development.
Descriptors: Graduation Rate, Student Financial Aid, Decision Making, Behavior Theories, Student Attitudes, College Students, Psychological Patterns, Correlation, Foreign Countries, Paying for College, Educational Attainment, Barriers, Intention, Academic Persistence, Outcomes of Education
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ghana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A