Purpose - This paper analyzes the student determinants of college non-completion and estimates the effects of each determinant on college non-completion.

Design/methodology/approach – We use student panel data from a large Korean university from 2011 to 2021. Our results are from estimation of fixed-effects logit model.

Findings – The results show that grade point average, participation in extracurricular activities, the number of counseling sessions with teachers, and financial aid are the main determinants of college non-completion. Academic probation, which is defined as any person who has a cumulative grade point average below a one point seven five, increases the non-completion rate by 2.6 percentage points and an one-point rise in extracurricular activities index reduces the rate by 0.1 percentage points. The effects of each determinant are heterogeneous across student sub-groups which are separated by gender, nationality, and academic discipline.

Research implications or Originality - Tailored support programs for academically discouraged students that incorporate student characteristics and backgrounds are necessary to increase college completion rates and degree attainment.