2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This research analyzes the causes and patterns of student attrition in the Business Administration and Environmental Management programs at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ in the Galápagos campus, offered in a semi-presential modality. The study arises from a genuine institutional concern to understand the multiple dimensions behind student withdrawal and the factors that shape this decision. The Galápagos islands present a unique context which brings its own particular challenges. Students often balance academic pursuits with professional and family responsibilities, while facing high living costs, connectivity limitations, and inter-island mobility. These realities, coupled with geographic isolation from mainland Ecuador, create a complex setting for higher education that demands a contextualized understanding of persistence and dropout. Furthermore, high school graduates do not perceive clear benefits and advantages, regarding work opportunities and income, from obtaining a college degree. The objective of this study is to analyze the current context and characteristics of those who dropped out between 2016 and 2025. For this, researchers analyze the demographic, social and academic characteristics and present general trends of students who stayed and those who dropped out. This paper does not aim to present the reasons for dropout, but rather to layout the characteristics and context of those who did it. The next steps are to inquire about personal, social, and academic reasons that led students to drop out, as well as to what support they indicate needed to continue their studies. Beyond quantitative indicators, this research aims to provide evidence that can guide institutional strategies to strengthen student retention and degree completion, contributing to a more context-sensitive, and sustainable model of higher education in the Galápagos Islands.