Retention Analysis and Graduation Rates in Higher Education: 2018-2020 Cohorts, Coto Campus, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/3zqjx047

Keywords:

higher education, university student, academic achievement, retention, academic success

Abstract

Retention and completion of university studies are issues of both academic and social significance due to their impact on professional development, equity in access to higher education, and opportunities for social mobility. This article examines the factors affecting retention and completion of university education among students in degree programs at the Coto campus of the National University of Costa Rica, cohorts 2018-2020. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving structured interviews with fourth-year students across all degree programs at the campus. The results indicate that personal motivation is key to retention and completion. This is reinforced by the desire to obtain professional qualifications and improve the family’s economic situation, which drives students to overcome difficulties in order to achieve their academic goals. 

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Author Biographies

  • Mariam Ureña-Hernández, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.

    Costa Rican. Doctor in Virtual Education from Broward International University. Master's in Educational Administration from the American University. Bachelor in Commercial Education from the National University. Researcher dedicated to educational innovation and the development of training models, with experience in national and international presentations. Her areas of expertise include dual education and social sciences, focusing on the study of university retention and the implementation of active methodologies in learning environments.

  • Brandon Solís Chaverri, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.

    Costa Rican. Master's in Curriculum and University Teaching. Bachelor's degree in Business Education with honors (cum laude). He teaches at the School of Professional Secretarial Studies at the National University (UNA), Costa Rica. He is the author of academic publications such as "New Competencies in Administrative Management: Towards Smart Offices" (2026) and "Strategic Knowledge Management in Times of Social Transformation" (2025). His research interests include didactic innovation in Business Education and trends in office administrative management.

  • Xinia María Corrales Escalante, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.

    Costa Rican. PhD in Educational Sciences. Master's in Educational Technology and Informatics. Works as an academic in the area of ​​Technological Innovation at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). Co-author of publications such as Analysis of Determining Factors in the Choice of Office Administration as a Professional Career (2025) and Characteristics of the Professional Profile of Influential University Professors: Voices of the Student Population (2024). Her academic work focuses on research areas related to educational innovation with digital technologies, integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), pedagogical mediation, virtuality, and quality in higher education.

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Published

2026-08-26

Issue

No. 192 (2026): Territorial and Cultural Communities: Threats to Their Identity Due to Urban Expansion and Technological Advancement

Section

Central Theme

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How to Cite

Retention Analysis and Graduation Rates in Higher Education: 2018-2020 Cohorts, Coto Campus, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. (2026). Revista De Ciencias Sociales, 192, 13-32. https://doi.org/10.15517/3zqjx047