Assessing the determinants of post campus saving among undergraduate students a case study of 2024/2025 final year students at school of statistics and planning

Abstract

Saving is an essential aspect of personal financial management, particularly for young adults transitioning from university to independent life. This study assessed the determinants of post campus saving among final-year undergraduate students at the School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University. The research focused on three key factors: demographic, economic, and socio-cultural influences. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting a sample of 74 students selected through stratified random sampling across different courses. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression with STATA 15. The findings revealed that income was the most significant determinant of saving behavior, with higher income levels paradoxically associated with a reduced likelihood of saving due to increased expenditure. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and course of study were not statistically significant in predicting saving habits, while family encouragement, parental financial grooming, and peer influence exhibited positive but insignificant effects. The study concludes that economic capacity plays a dominant role in shaping saving practices, while social influences have weaker but notable contributions. It recommends strengthening financial literacy programs, promoting affordable saving opportunities, and encouraging both family and peer support systems to enhance a culture of saving among university students.