Towards a Comprehension of University Dropout in Catalonia: the Case of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The article presents the results of a research that aims to unfold the reasons behind students’ dropout at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Data is analyzed, and interviews and focus groups with students who have dropout, study degree’s coordinators and institutional authorities are carried out. Results indicate that part of the abandonment taking place is voluntary, natural and even necessary, when the student does not enter the desired option or discovers that the studies do not fi t with their vocational interests, but it also represents a misalignment between the academic offer and the students’ capabilities, performance and motivation.