Vic: Wealth and school has little impact on uni drop-outs

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2007
Vic: Wealth and school has little impact on uni drop-outs

University drop-outs don't just come from poor families or government schools.

An analysis of uni attrition rates has found that has little bearing on a student's
chances of completing their degree.

The study by the Australian Council for Educational Research .. analysed a group who
began uni between 1998 and 2001 .. and tracked their careers until 2004.

It found 66 per cent finished uni by 2004 .. 16 per cent withdrew .. 11 per cent changed
their course and eight per cent were still studying.

The study found completion was lowest among students who attended independent schools
.. at 61 per cent .. and highest among those who went to Catholic schools .. at 69 per
cent.

The vast majority of students who didn't finish their studies within five years of
leaving .. still got jobs.

But their pay packets were much lighter .. and their job status much lower .. than
their peers who completed their degrees.

AAP RTV cmb/rh/bart

KEYWORD: COMPLETION (MELBOURNE)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.