Exploring university dropout rates: a case study at a Peruvian university, Lima–Perú

University dropout constitutes a complex phenomenon that affects the quality and equity of higher education, particularly in Latin American contexts marked by socioeconomic inequalities. This study aimed to analyze university dropout at a Peruvian university, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, through an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing student retention. A basic qualitative approach was employed, using a single-case study design with embedded units of analysis, following Yin’s methodological framework. The study was based on the triangulation of semi-structured interviews with dropout students, the experiences of academic tutors, and the analysis of institutional documents. The results show that dropout is a multifactorial phenomenon resulting from the convergence of economic, academic, and personal factors. In addition, a significant divergence was identified between the availability of institutional prevention strategies and their effective use by students, mediated by psychosocial barriers and institutional operational limitations. It is concluded that university dropout should be understood as a systemic process emerging from the interaction among students, tutors, and the institution, which calls for comprehensive strategies aimed at strengthening student retention and degree attainment.