Persistence and retention towards degree completion of BS Agriculture students in selected State Universities in Region IV-A, [Southern Tagalog] Philippines

Student persistence and retention are important issues facing higher education today. Although the number of students attending college continues to grow, improving graduation and completion rates remains a challenge; most especially in the field of agricultural education. Using descriptive-correlational research design method, complete enumeration of 56 junior BS agriculture students from the selected State Universities in Region IV-A, Philippines uncovered factors that support and challenge students in agriculture degree program. The study used purposive sampling of the school based on the level of degree accreditation in agriculture being offered by the selected State Universities including the Southern Luzon State Universities representing the Level 1 status, Laguna State University representing the Level III status. In addition to the quantitative data, the researcher also incorporated quantitative data by conduction semi-structured interview with the selected members of the academe and administration. For agriculture students, members of the faculty and administration, factors related to personal, academic and career disposition appeared to be influential in their persistence towards degree completion. Overall results affirmed that most of the factors that contribute to the persistence of agriculture students are coming from the classroom-related factors considerably those items referring to the curricular experiences of the students respondents. Consistent with the results gathered from the institution-related factors, the quality of teaching contributes most of the retention of BS Agriculture students towards degree completion. Results of correlation analysis revealed that there is a relationship between persistence and retention in all of the selected State Universities; in that persistence affects retention. Therefore, the more persistent a student is the more she/he remains in the same institution where she/he is currently enrolled. Results of analysis on the difference in persistence and retention across accreditation levels revealed slight to greater variations regarding factors that relate to persistence and retention. This signifies how accreditation level plays a crucial role in developing student persistence and institutional retention. Results of this study suggested that the selected State Universities have not gone far enough on a practical level to ensure that BS Agriculture students are supported in an effective manner as indicated by the response of the students as well as the faculty and administrators interviewed. The university junior and senior officials need to be more directly support this curricular program such that Agriculture serves as these institutions' major thrust. Thus, it should be prioritized by providing an educational environment with adequate, effective and accessible administrative and educational support services specific for the students' academic success.