An investigation of factors behind attrition at the College of Liberal Arts Graduate Studies/ Merlyn V. Lee, Teresita A. Pareja

This research investigated the factors behind attrition at the College of Liberal Arts Graduate Studies using the framework of Schneider (1987) Attraction-Selection-Attrition. The study used cohort longitudinal survey method through questionnaire and telephone interview among graduate students enrolled during the school year 2004-2005 to 2008-2009. The study revealed such factors as financial strain, workload or work schedule, personal matters, family concerns, thesis-related concerns, and relocation. Recommendations to lessen attrition include provision for scholarships, an evaluation of the quantity of course requirements given to students and the role of faculty advising attrition, and implementation of practices that foster persistence such as faculty mentoring, effective thesis advising, and social connectedness among faculty, students, and staff.