| Abstract: |
This study examined the influence of financial struggles on the academic persistence of Indigenous college students by identifying common financial challenges and determining how these challenges affect their ability to remain enrolled, stay engaged, and complete their college education during the academic year 2025–2026. The study employed a descriptive quantitative correlational research design involving 150 Indigenous students from selected higher education institutions in Bukidnon, namely Roman C. Villalon Memorial Colleges Foundation, Incorporated, Don Carlos Polytechnic College, and Torres Capitol College. These institutions were selected to represent the experiences of Indigenous learners in the province. Data were collected using a researcher-made survey questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted mean, standard deviation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Findings revealed that most respondents were young adults, predominantly female, single, in their early college years, enrolled in Education programs, and residing in rural areas, with family support as their primary source of income. Financial struggles were generally high in areas such as tuition and school fees, learning materials, transportation, living expenses, emergency costs, limited access to financial aid, and challenges related to part-time work, with tuition and school fees identified as the most pressing concern. Despite these difficulties, students demonstrated high academic persistence, driven by strong aspirations to earn a degree and supported by family, peers, and teachers. Financial stability and zonal location significantly influenced academic persistence, while demographic variables showed no significant differences. The findings emphasize the need for strengthened financial assistance and institutional support programs to help Indigenous students sustain their education and complete their college degrees.
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