In this paper, two separate logistic regression models for qualitative dependent variables are run to know the determinants of students’ drop out from higher education. The data source for logit model 1 is National Sample Survey’s 64^th Round ‘Participation and Expenditure in Education’ survey (July 2007 to June 2008). For the purpose of present analysis sample students were identified who have had enrolled sometimes in a degree in higher education but did not complete (some have completed) their degree. For this purpose enrolment in grade 13 and above years of education (enrolment in graduate, post-graduate and above degree) are considered as by that year of education it is ideally considered to be higher education. For the second logit model primary data collected via standardized tools in a random selection of students across two Indian universities have been used. There are around 482 post-graduate and above level courses of students, 248 and 234 each from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Utkal University (UU) respectively are randomly invited to participate in this study.

The findings suggest that keeping all other things constant, a student belonging to a weaker section has a higher probability to drop out compare to non-SC/ST/OBC others in JNU. Adding a student from OBC community add to the risks of dropping out by 22 per cent and similarly for SC and ST it is 17.2 per cent and 13.1 per cent in JNU. The influence of Social category is insignificant for UU. Similarly, a student whose father is an agricultural labour and/or daily wage earner is more likely to drop out compare a students’ father who is highly/salaried of students in JNU. A student from an agricultural household joining HE add to the risk of dropping out by 18.5 per cent  and a student from a family engaged in petty-business/self-employed increases the probability of dropping out by 19.6 per cent compare to a student from high occupational household. Family HE is found to be insignificant for JNU. Both father and mother level of educational attainment is negatively and significantly associated with student dropping out decision in UU. The probability of continuing in HE gets higher by 6 per cent for a student with fathers’ higher level of educational attainment and the same figure for a student with higher level of mothers’ education is 8 per cent.

On the other hand, a student availing scholarship in JNU has a far lesser chance of dropping out [21.3 per cent] compare to a student without scholarship. Similarly, a student receiving/attending remedial coaching in JNU his less likely [12.9 per cent] to drop out. Again, a student who is given hostel accommodation is less likely to drop out [48 per cent] compare to a student without hostel.  A student with hostel accommodation has lower probability [6.7 per cent] of dropping out compare to a student without hostel in UU. A student attending remedial coaching has lesser risk of dropping out [2.9 per cent] and a student getting book bank facility [6.8 per cent lower probability of deciding to drop out in UU.

Tinto, V. (1975) Dropout From Higher Education: A Theoretical Synthesis Of Recent Research. Rev. Educ. Res., 45, 89- 125. --------- (1987) Leaving College: Rethinking The Causes And Cures Of Student Attrition. Chicago: University Of Chicago Press. ----------(1997) Classrooms As Communities: Exploring The Educational Character Of Student Persistence. J. Higher Educ., 68, 599-623. Rong Chen (2008) ‘Financial Aids and Student Dropout in Higher Education: A Heterogeneous Research Approach’, in J.C. Smart (Eds.) Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, XXIII, 209-40, The Netherlands: Springer. Thomas L. (2002) ‘Student Retention In Higher Education: The Role Of Institutional Habitus, Journal Of Education Policy, 17, 4, 423-42. Singh, A. and Sharma, G.D. (1981) University and College Finances, New Delhi; Association Of Indian Universities. Rawat, P. L. (1970) History Of Indian Education, Agra, Ram Prasad & Sons. UNESCO (1965) Access to Higher Education: The International Study of University Admission, Vol. 11, National Studies, Paris, International Association of Universities.