Perceptions of Student Enrollment Factors in Uganda Christian University

Abstract

This study investigated perceptions of factors influencing student enrollment at Uganda Christian University (UCU), with specific attention to institutional, academic-related, and financial-related determinants. Anchored in Human Capital Theory and Student Choice Theory, the study sought to explain how prospective and current students evaluate universities in an increasingly competitive higher education environment. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, using a mixed-methods approach that combined questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were collected from undergraduate and prospective students, while qualitative insights were obtained from admissions, marketing, and public relations staff. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and content analysis. The findings revealed very strong positive correlations between student enrollment and financial factors (r = 0.991), academic factors (r = 0.993), and institutional factors (r = 0.992), suggesting that enrollment decisions are shaped by multiple interrelated dimensions. However, regression analysis showed that academic-related factors (β = 0.465, p = .008) and institutional factors (β = 0.426, p < .001) were the strongest significant predictors of enrollment, while financial factors (β = 0.105, p = .475) were not statistically significant when the other variables were controlled. Qualitative findings reinforced these results by highlighting the importance of program relevance, lecturer competence, graduate employability, institutional reputation, campus facilities, and alumni success in influencing enrollment decisions. The study concludes that private universities can strengthen enrollment by prioritising academic quality, institutional credibility, infrastructure improvement, and supportive financial access mechanisms.