Background:

Student dropout, defined as the non-completion of the attended school program, is a complex phenomenon that involves different predictors.

Objective:

To identify predictor variables for dropout in higher education students.

Methodology:

This is a descriptive-correlational and analytical cross-sectional quantitative study with a non-probability convenience sample of 1175 Portuguese students. The data collection instrument included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Reasons for Higher Education Dropout Scale, and other validated scales.

Results:

The results obtained identify age and gender, emotional perception, learning performance, and dimensions of students’ academic experiences as predictor variables for the four dimensions of student dropout.

Conclusion:

This study points to the need to support students in managing their expectations, providing them with a greater ability to deal with their emotional perceptions. Implementing measures to mitigate students’ dropout, considering their socio-demographic profiles, and creating infrastructures that ensure the quality of academic life are recommended.

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