Who Goes Where and Why? A systematic review of the literature on student choice of university

There is a growing body of research which seeks to explore the complex social, cultural, financial and psychological factors influencing choice of higher education institution. The term student choice tends to be used when students make decisions about whether to attend university, and which university to attend although it is often acknowledged that student choice is neither rational, nor linear and is influenced by numerous factors including cost, information, access, academic achievement, life and school experience. This paper presents the results of a systematic review of the literature on student choice of higher education institution. The objectives of the review are to: systematically collect, document, scrutinise and critically analyse the current research literature on higher education choice; to establish the scope of studies in higher education choice and map the factors associated with choice; to identify the key strengths and weaknesses in the research literature; and to critically analyse the extant research and make recommendations for further research in the field. All searches were tracked and processed using a database and the selected citations were documented using reference manager software and an Excel database. Following strict application of the search parameters a list of 59 papers forms the basis for the review: 35 surveys; nine secondary data studies; four longitudinal studies; eight qualitative studies; and three studies that use both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Choice factors are discussed under the following headings, which emerged from the analysis: student characteristics; institutional factors and the interrelationship between the students and the institutions. The review also provides the basis for forthcoming quantitative research to model university choice.