FACTORS INFLUENCING FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS' DECISION TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY

The decision-making process regarding university selection is a critical concern for both prospective students and educational institutions, as it directly impacts their sustainability and growth. However, limited research has been conducted on the factors influencing university choice among students in the Mekong Delta region, particularly in Can Tho City, Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence first-year full-time students' university selection. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. Data were collected through interviews using a pre-prepared questionnaire. The study assessed the reliability of the scale using Cronbach's Alpha, explored factor analysis (EFA), tested mean values, and examined the model through regression analysis. A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure participants' perceptions, and all analyses were conducted using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. The results from Cronbach's Alpha test and EFA exploratory factor analysis identified 27 factors grouped into six categories, all of which were shown to positively influence students' decisions to choose a university. Pearson correlation and regression analyses further revealed that three groups of factors, consisting of 13 independent observed variables, had a significant impact on students' university selection, ranked from low to high influence. The study evaluated a model comprising six factors that affect the decision to choose a university among students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy.