FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE STUDENTS’ DECISION TO ENROLL AT UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

The study “Factors That Influence Students’ Decision to Enroll at University of Cagayan Valley” examined how various institutional factors shape students’ choice to enroll in the university. It focused on four key dimensions: school location, school reputation, educational facilities, and cost of education, heightening how these are perceived in terms of accessibility, academic quality, learning environment, and affordability. Using a descriptivecomparative design, the study gathered data from senior high school students of different ages, strands/tracks, sexes, and levels of parents’ joint monthly income to assess the influence of each dimension and to determine whether these factors differ across demographic groups. The findings showed that all four dimensions were generally rated as ‘Influential’ in students’ enrollment decisions, while age and parents’ joint monthly income did not produce significant differences, and only selected dimensions varied by strand/track and sex. The study concludes that students’ decisions to enroll at the University of Cagayan Valley are strongly driven by a combination of location, reputation, facilities, and cost, and that these influences are broadly shared across most demographic groups. It recommends strengthening promotion and development programs that highlight institutional reputation, enhance facilities, and maintain flexible, transparent fee structures and financial aid, while also considering the specific priorities of different strands and genders in enrollment strategies.