CAUSES OF STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT DROPOUTS

CAUSES OF STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT DROPOUTS State universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines offer free tuition, a transformative policy aimed at making higher education accessible to all. Yet, despite this significant advantage, many students still drop out. The question is: why? The Reality Behind Free Tuition While tuition fees are no longer a barrier, education entails more than just paying for classes. Students must also shoulder the costs of food, transportation, books, school supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. For those coming from provinces far from their campuses, dormitory fees and the cost of living in urban areas create additional financial strain. These hidden costs can be overwhelming, especially for students from low-income families. The heartbreaking reality is that many students step onto the path of higher education only to be forced off it by financial difficulties, watching their dreams slip away. The Cycle of Embarrassment and Survival For some, dropping out brings not just disappointment but also shame. Returning home without a diploma can feel like a personal failure, leading some students to avoid going back to their hometowns altogether. Others stay in the city, working odd jobs to survive, but their hopes of graduating often fade in the face of harsh economic realities. Can Budgeting Help? The root of the issue lies in the inadequacy of financial support beyond tuition. While the free tuition program is a commendable first step, additional measures are necessary to ensure students can afford the other essentials required to complete their education. Can the government revisit the budgeting system for SUCs? Could Congress allocate additional funds to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to provide stipends for transportation, books, housing, and daily expenses? Learning From Other Countries Globally, there are models of comprehensive scholarship programs that go beyond tuition: 1. Germany offers free tuition at public universities and supplements this with the BAföG system, which provides financial aid for living expenses. 2. Finland combines tuition-free education with living allowances for housing and daily needs through its Student Financial Aid system. 3. Brazil runs the University for All Program (Prouni), which provides full scholarships, including stipends for transportation and materials. 4. The United States offers need-based scholarships like the Pell Grant, which covers tuition, books, and living costs for low-income students. These countries demonstrate the importance of addressing not just tuition but the full spectrum of expenses students face. Beyond Financial Aid Financial support is essential, but so are other measures to ensure student success: Part-time Work Opportunities: Encourage flexible work arrangements on or near campuses to help students earn money without compromising their studies. Mentorship and Counseling: Provide guidance to students navigating financial and academic challenges. Community Support Programs: Engage local governments and NGOs to create initiatives that support students’ daily needs. A Call for Action The policy of free tuition has opened doors for many, but it is not enough to keep those doors open. To reduce dropout rates, the government must recognize and address the hidden costs of education. By increasing CHED’s budget and implementing comprehensive scholarship programs, we can help students not just enroll in college but also graduate. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Let us ensure that no student is forced to abandon their dreams because they cannot afford the cost of the journey. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 02-05-2025