Date of Conferral
1-10-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Education
Advisor
Felicia Blacher-Wilson
Abstract
Despite the government of Barbados’ 2018 resumption of full payment of undergraduate tuition, enrollment at the lone indigenous tertiary education institution has not fully rebounded to prior levels. Understanding potential students’ decision-making processes regarding their intention to pursue tertiary education may help local tertiary education administrators and policymakers enact interventions to maintain and increase enrollment. Guided by the reasoned action approach, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Barbadian students’ perceptions about influences on their decision-making regarding their pursuit of tertiary education at the only local university in Barbados. Data were collected using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews from a purposeful sample of 13 Barbadian students, 18 years or older, eligible to enroll at the local tertiary education institution. Thematic data analysis with inductive coding was applied to determine findings from the data. Themes included affordability, career prospects, location, personal agency, and enrollment barriers. The implications for social change include providing insights to understand tertiary education enrollment intentions that could increase local enrollment in small island states universities. Increased tertiary enrollment and potential for degree completion over time may foster individual prosperity and consequently contribute to economic growth, development, and global competitiveness of small states.
Recommended Citation
Holder, Khaleid, "Barbados Students’ Perceptions Regarding Pursuing Tertiary Education" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17178.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17178
