“Non­academic impulse”: students dropping out of universities

Abstract

   The study of student dropout is an urgent issue, but insufficiently researched. To study the problems of the “non-academic impulse” in the theoretical part of the work, several indicators reflecting the possibility of student dropout are highlighted. The first indicator is the insufficient level of basic (pre–university) training and the discrepancy between the level of training of a school graduate and the requirements of a higher education institution. The second indicator is the discrepancy between the education profile and the interests, needs and abilities of students. The third indicator is low adaptation to the educational environment of the university. The fourth indicator is the personal characteristics of students, which manifest themselves in social and psychological aspects. The fifth indicator is the financial capabilities of students. The sixth indicator of student dropout is their active lifestyle, participation in social projects, and volunteering. The empirical part of the paper presents the results of a sociological study of Novosibirsk university students in 2025 and a survey of teachers. The selected indicators were verified on two groups of students: those who had dropped out and those who were continuing their studies. It was revealed that students who continue their studies experience the same difficulties as those who have been expelled. The key role is played by the social attitude of self-reliance; adaptive behavior, which determines resistance to stress; self-efficacy and the internal locus of control. An important role is played by social and cultural capital, which keeps students from dropping out. The conclusion is made about the need to pay attention to the awareness of choosing a university and specialty. The information obtained as a result of the study can be useful in planning the activities of universities for the safety of the contingent.