Reasons for student dropout in open and distance education: A study at Anadolu University open education system

The purpose of this descriptive quantitative research is to identify the factors associated with dropout and how these factors differ among demographic groups at Anadolu University Open Education System. The data was collected by an online questionnaire. A total of 302 undergraduate and associate degree students participated in the study. The findings of the study show that time constraints and lack of motivation are the most important reasons for not completing school. Tuition fees, unmet expectations, lack of study habits, and academic difficulty have a moderate effect on dropout. Factors specifically related to distance education, such as learning alone, learning through communication technologies, limited communication with teachers and other students have little importance in the decision to drop out while technology competence and access, job and school change, family issues, and health problems are the least important reasons for leaving school. The importance ratings of these reasons vary according to the purpose of school enrollment, gender, age, education level, marital status, program type, employment status, and residence. Keywords: Open Education, Distance Education, Dropout, Reasons of Dropout