Retention of working university students in higher education: Insights from the Estonian context

This research aims to determine how universities can better meet the expectations of working students and enhance their persistence. Specifically, it examines which socio-demographic characteristics affect dropout intentions, how perceptions of university social capital relate to these intentions, and which support services students consider most important when integrating academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. The quantitative analysis is based on Eurostudent VII survey data (2018–2021) comprising 1,902 working students in Estonia.