Permanência na Educação Superior: percepções de estudantes de graduação de uma Universidade Pública

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the aspects of the academic experience that influence student retention in higher education, based on the perceptions of undergraduate students at a public university. Higher education access policies in Brazil have expanded in recent decades; however, graduation rates remain low, demonstrating that student success is not limited to access alone, as various factors influence their academic journey. Therefore, it is essential to understand the various aspects that permeate student retention and the importance of institutional policies in this context. Increasing graduation rates represents social, financial, and individual gains, as graduates will be qualified for the workforce, have better life prospects, and may also continue their studies in graduate programs. The research was designed as a case study with a qualitative approach. A total of 128 undergraduate students from a public university in Minas Gerais participated in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using the Content Analysis method. The results are presented in themes corresponding to: course choice and university admission; adaptation to the university environment; retention in relation to academic and pedagogical aspects; retention in relation to administrative and structural aspects; retention in relation to emotional and social aspects; retention in relation to socioeconomic aspects; and reasons for persistence. In this regard, the study confirmed the multidimensional nature of university retention and provided an expanded perspective on the challenges faced by students. The analyses identified institutional actions that could support student retention and contribute to a more satisfactory university experience and successful learning outcomes. As a result of this study, an educational product was developed to support student retention in public universities.