IMPACT OF LEARNER BACKGROUND FACTORS ON STUDENT SATISFACTION IN UNIVERSITIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Scholars and educators believe that student satisfaction plays a vital part in the success of universities. The present investigation aims to determine the existing degree of student satisfaction, and to discover the differences between student backgrounds factors and their relevance to student satisfaction. 1356 undergraduate students volunteered to provide data who were seeking education at the selected three state-owned universities using a survey questionnaire. The descriptive statistics exhibit that majority of students felt satisfied from peer relationships and teachers’ support in learning. Students were averagely satisfied from administrative support, cafeteria, transportation, and safety, library services, orientation and elective course offered, and accommodation and classroom facilities; while students were dissatisfied from career and psychological support, campus facilities, and extra-curricular and financial support services. The students’ background differences, such as gender, family monthly earnings, age groups, and previous GPA on student satisfaction existed. This investigation strongly suggests policymakers to focus on improving the career and psychological counseling, extra-curricular pursuits, student financial support, and campus facilities. They should address students’ needs and expectations keeping in view students’ backgrounds and socio-economic differences.