Flowthrough Analysis on Student Intake Paths

Abstract

<p>In 2018, we initiated the DEFA project, admitting students not only through traditional channels but also by offering entry to those who completed 60 ECTS credits annually by taking our MOOC courses. Earlier findings indicated that students admitted through the DEFA pathway perform at least equally well academically than those admitted through other means, often completing more credits in their first year. Moreover, the DEFA initiative substantially increased applicant numbers across all admission paths. In this study, we observe the graduation rate of students admitted through different channels. Our findings indicate that students admitted through DEFA graduate faster than students admitted via other channels. This is significant as Finland’s ICT sector graduation rates are typically slow, with many abandoning studies upon employment. Swift flowthrough is pivotal for educational institutions due to the incentivized funding model in the Finnish system, emphasizing the importance of graduation rates. In this article, we also compare the graduation rates from other channels, for example, the open university, and discuss the changes in these rates during the 2020 COVID pandemic.<br></p>