Exploring Student Satisfaction and Retention in Lebanese Private Universities

Abstract

This article evaluates student satisfaction antecedents' role in enhancing student retention in Lebanese universities. This descriptive study uses a quantitative methodology built on a deductive approach with a questionnaire as a survey tool. The questionnaire comprised 25 questions and was distributed on campus. Two hundred ninety valid questionnaires constituted the sample for the analysis through a self-administered questionnaire on the university campus of Lebanese universities. This article verified the positive effects on students' satisfaction and retention. The most significant influence on students' retention is the quality of their education (R² = 0.53; P< 0.001). Thus, a one-unit improvement in learning quality could result in a 53% increase in student retention. The statistical significance of the effect and causal links for both variables at the 5% threshold is confirmed by the P-value and the t-test. Student retention is an organizational goal that spreads positive word of mouth. Private universities should translate the conceptual framework into strategies to enhance students' satisfaction and retention rates.