The factors that affect the students` selection of a university :a case study in Umm Al-Qura University

Abstract

This study investigated the factors affecting undergraduate student’s university selection by employing the Umm Al-Qura University KSA. The study employed a quantitative case study research methodology. Data was elicited by means of questionnaires in an attempt to understand the degree the various factors exerted on the student’s during the university selection cum decision making process from the participant’s viewpoint. Data analysis was performed by the use of SPSS version 22wherein a descriptive statistics to investigate the frequency with which participants opted for various options and an independent sample T-test analysis to compare the mean scores between the various factors influencing university selection and the influence they exerted on gender were run. Findings unveiled that in field of study, females are influenced higher than males; in enrolment prospects no significant difference was observed; regarding institutional teaching reputation, cost, distance and location females were influenced higher than males as well. Regarding parent/friends and peer influence no statistical significant difference was observed between the two groups. Lastly, as per the physical aspect/facilities and resources/visit to the Umm Al-Qura university campus females were influenced higher than their male counterparts. No statistical significant difference was observed in the manner in which all 40 items combined differently affected an individual student’s selection of the Umm Al-Qura University be they male or female. This study is calling on the authorities of the Umm Al-Qura University and the authorities of the Ministry of Education KSA to put the factors where differences are found in terms of gender into consideration, and improve on them in a bid to attract more aspiring students from the disadvantaged gender group into the Umm Al -Qura University KSA.