Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university performance: a retrospective follow-up study of the University of Split, Croatia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the academic performance, financial health, scientific output, and student and staff mobility of higher education institutions globally. Here, we report on a retrospective analysis of the core activities at the University of Split, Croatia, from 2017 to 2023, with a focus on the pandemic's impact thereon. Methods: Using interrupted time series analysis, we examined trends in student success, research output, financial indicators, and mobility patterns before, during, and after the pandemic, with a total of 34 indicators. Results: We found no significant disruptions in academic performance, financial stability, or overall institutional operations at the university level, while the observed differences at the faculty level were unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: These findings indicate that, in the observed period, the University of Split did not experience measurable pandemic-related disruptions in key academic, financial, and operational indicators. They emphasise the importance of institutional preparedness, digital adaptability, and financial diversification to ensure the stability and resilience of higher education institutions in future crises.