The Determinants of Student Satisfaction Acquired by University Education: The Case of the Hellenic Open University

Abstract

The satisfaction of students acquired by their tertiary educational experience can be seen as one of the main satisfactions shaping their overall life satisfaction and professional life after their graduation. Student satisfaction is especially important for universities operating under paid tuition fees, as this may affect both the student retention rates and future student enrollments. In this paper , we consider two facets of student satisfaction, i.e. 1) satisfaction acquired by the level of knowledge provided during university years and 2) satisfaction acquired by broadening the prospects of career development after graduation. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we examine the relationship of student satisfaction with various demographic factors such as age, gender, family, and income. Secondly, we study the relationship of student satisfaction to circumstantial factors such as grades earned and support by student family. We are based on data (n = 470) from students attending the Management of Businesses and Organisations Bachelor’s Degree offered by the Hellenic Open University. The findings of our study could be useful for educational policies enhancing quality assurances measures.