This study examines how financial aid shapes post-secondary enrollment and persistence among senior high school graduates, challenging assumptions in traditional human capital theory. While the theory posits that reducing financial barriers increases participation, findings suggest a more complex process. Drawing on survey data from the Batch 2024 graduates in Cagayan Valley, the study traces student trajectories across three points: college application (Wave 1), first-semester enrollment (Wave 2), and second-semester persistence (Wave 3). Guided by St. John’s (1992) framework, the analysis employs logistic regression to assess the relative influence of financial aid and non-financial factors on student decision-making.
Categories: Discussion Paper
