AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF POTENTIAL FACTORS IMPACTING STUDENT SATISFACTION – A STUDY FOCUSED ON STUDENTS LIVING IN THE NORTH OF ALBANIA AND ATTENDING PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (CASE: UNIVERSITY OF SHKODRA, UNIVERSITY OF TIRANA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE, TIRANA

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the factors influencing student satisfaction among attendees of public universities in the northern region of Albania, against the backdrop of declining student enrollment and significant emigration trends.   Theoretical Framework: Student satisfaction is understood as a crucial aspect of educational evaluation, influenced by various factors such as educational experiences, services, and facilities (Chatzoglou et al., 2021). Emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between demographic variables and their impact on satisfaction levels.   Method: Data was collected via questionnaires distributed to students at the University of Shkodra, Tirana, and the University of Medicine in 2023. Factor and reliability analyses were employed to identify significant factors affecting student satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, with variables including reputation, cost of study, course quality, employability prospects, and service quality.   Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that demographic variables exhibit a notable influence on student satisfaction levels. Moreover, the regression analysis identified several factors—such as reputation, cost of study, and service quality—as significant predictors of student satisfaction.   Research Implications: This study contributes to understanding the nuanced dynamics of student satisfaction within the Albanian higher education context. The findings hold implications for university administrators and policymakers in devising strategies to enhance student satisfaction and address the challenges of declining enrollment.   Originality/Value: By focusing on the specific context of northern Albanian public universities, this research sheds light on understudied aspects of student satisfaction amidst broader socio-economic challenges. The study's findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to improve overall student experiences and retention rates.