Determinant factors contributing to student choice in selecting a university: A case study of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the determinant factors contributing to student choice in selecting a University, a case study of Makerere University. The study sought to address these objectives: to examine the impact of the reputation of the university, the influence of academic programs offered by the university, the role played by peers, family and friends, the effect of cost of university education, and the availability of funds and scholarships on students’ decision in choosing institutions of higher education in Uganda. This study employed a descriptive survey research design, Simple Random Sampling was used to select 50 respondents of the total population to participate in the study. The study findings revealed that parental education, occupation, location, reputation, programme choice has a stronger bearing on university choice of their students. At the same time, there was a significant relationship between the number of alumni from a particular university and choice of university among students was established. Despite the findings above, no significant relationship was found between parental occupation and sponsorship opportunities of interviewed students and their choice of university (χ2(4) = 8.6242, P-value = 0.044) and (χ2(3) = 1.7244, P-value = 0.632) respectively. Parental occupation and sponsorship opportunities gave an idea of independence as far as student’s choice of university is concerned. Reputation of the institution is an important factor to prospective students along with the indication that upon successful completion of their selected program there will be a high probability that jobs will available for them. It is therefore recommended that universities should focus more on their reputation and online service to enhance students’ preference.