A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF DROPOUT RATES IN EXACT SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AT A BRAZILIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study examined the factors contributing to dropout among students enrolled in Exact Sciences undergraduate courses at a Brazilian public university. Employing questionnaires and Thematic Analysis methodology, the responses of 98 students were scrutinized, encompassing three types of dropout: disengagement, externalities, and exclusion. The most commonly cited reasons included: initial lack of interest in the program (inclusion), difficulty in balancing the program with other activities (exclusion), financial constraints (externalities and exclusion), and lack of alignment with the program and future profession (inclusion). Only motivation related to financial difficulties is categorized as dropout due to externalities, also classified as exclusionary dropout. By mapping the causes of dropout according to these three types, the institution can devise more targeted strategies to combat dropout. Specifically, we contend that causes associated with exclusionary dropout are those that the institution can address most directly.