Determinants Of Public University Choice Among Senior High School Students In Jambi Province: Higher Education Preferences, Future Orientation, And Professional Attitudes
Keywords:
Higher Education Preference, Future Orientation, Professional Attitude, Public University Choice, SEM-PLS
Abstract
The decision to choose a public university has been viewed as an important stage in the educational planning of senior high school students. In many cases, the choice is not only shaped by the reputation of a campus but also by students’ future plans and their readiness to enter a more demanding academic environment. This study is designed to examine the effect of higher education preferences, future orientation, and professional attitudes on the decision to choose public universities among twelfth-grade senior high school students in Jambi Province. A quantitative approach is used because the relationships among variables are intended to be tested through a measurable model. The population of the study consists of senior high school students who are in the final stage of secondary education. A total of 400 students are involved as respondents. Data are collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale and are analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The study is expected to provide a clearer explanation of how institutional considerations, future-related thinking, and early professional readiness are connected with students’ public university choice. The findings are also expected to give practical input for public universities, schools, guidance counselors, and local education stakeholders in improving information services and career guidance for prospective university students.
References
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Mulder, L., Akwiwu, E. U., Twisk, J. W. R., Koster, A. S., Ravesloot, J. H., Croiset, G., Kusurkar, R. A., & Wouters, A. (2023). Inequality of opportunity in selection procedures limits diversity in higher education: An intersectional study of Dutch selective higher education programs. PLoS ONE, 18(10 October), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292805
Muliadi, E., & Nasri, U. (2023). Future-Oriented Education: The Contribution of Educational Philosophy in Facing Global Challenges. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 8(4), 2420–2427. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v8i4.1807
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Por, N., Say, C., & Mov, S. (2024). FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ DECISION IN CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES: BUILD BRIGHT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. 8(1), 1–15.
Ricardo, C., Vieira, C., Quintero-Manes, R., & Cano, J. (2023). Online or remote education? Preferences of Colombian higher education students. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13606
Saaida, M. B. E. (2023). AI-Driven transformations in higher education: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Educational Research and Studies, 5(1), 29–36. www.multidisciplinaryarticle.org
Sentosa, B. M., Pradesti, A., & Khusaini, K. (2025). Determinants of Private University Choice in Banten: The Role of Institutional Reputation and Location. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 15(3), 2089–2113. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v15i3.pp2089-2113
Skinner, A. T., Çiftçi, L., Jones, S., Klotz, E., Ondrušková, T., Lansford, J. E., Alampay, L. P., Al-Hassan, S. M., Bacchini, D., Bornstein, M. H., Chang, L., Deater-Deckard, K., Giunta, L. Di, Dodge, K. A., Gurdal, S., Liu, Q., Long, Q., Oburu, P., Pastorelli, C., … Yotanyamaneewong, S. (2022). Adolescent Positivity and Future Orientation, Parental Psychological Control, and Young Adult Internalising Behaviours during COVID-19 in Nine Countries. Social Sciences, 11(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11020075
Wu, Y., Zheng, Y., Feng, B., Yang, Y., Kang, K., & Zhao, A. (2024). Embracing ChatGPT for Medical Education: Exploring Its Impact on Doctors and Medical Students. JMIR Medical Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.2196/52483
Wut, T. M., Xu, J., & Lee, S. W. (2022). Does University Ranking Matter? Choosing a University in the Digital Era. Education Sciences, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12040229
Al-Fattal, A., Walker, E. G., & Gust, A. M. (2025). From recruitment to enrollment: understanding student-athletes’ college choice decisions. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7(August), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1652581
Arsana, I. K. S., Ansar, Hasim, Abdussamad, J., & Aneta, Y. (2025). Theoretical Conceptual Framework Model of Service Innovation in Improving Academic Quality at Gorontalo Private Universities. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(12), 655–665. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i122719
Carada, I., Aliazas, J. V., Palacio, L., & Palacio, C. M. A. (2022). Perceived Skills and Employability of Senior High School Graduates: Basis for Youth Employment Policy. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 9(01), 6759–6766. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v9i01.05
Chui, R. C. fai, Li, H., Chan, C. K., Siu, N. Y. fan, Cheung, R. W. leung, Li, W. O., Peng, K. Z. min, Cheung, Y. W., Cheung, S. F., & Xu, N. (2025). Prosocial Behaviour, Individualism, and Future Orientation of Chinese Youth: The Role of Identity Status as a Moderator. Behavioral Sciences, 15(2), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020193
D’Uggento, A. M., Petruzzellis, L., Piper, L., & Gurrieri, A. R. (2023). En nombre de la Universidad: la elección de promover como herramienta para incidir en la toma de decisiones. Calidad y Cantidad, 57(4), 3151–3164.
Dalila, A. A., Rahmah, S., Liliawati, W., & Kaniawati, I. (2022). Effect of Differentiated Learning in Problem Based Learning on Cognitive Learning Outcomes of High School Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(4), 2116–2122. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.1839
Dempere, J., Modugu, K., Hesham, A., & Ramasamy, L. K. (2023). The impact of ChatGPT on higher education. Frontiers in Education, 8(September). https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1206936
Dimali, W., Lakshmi, R., Sampath, S., Lalith, E., & Veronica, K. (2023). A literature review on students university choice and satisfaction. International Journal of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, 15(2), 71–87. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijeaps2023.0753
Dzimbiri, M., & Malin, J. (2023). Meritocracy: A Remedy to Addressing Social Injustices in Selecting Students to Public Higher Education in Malawi? Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v15i4.5541
Eidlin-Levy, H., Avraham, E., Fares, L., & Rubinsten, O. (2023). Math anxiety affects career choices during development. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00441-8
Ficht, L. S., & Levashina, J. (2023). Should DEI statements be included in faculty selection? Exploring legal, diversity, and validity issues. International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 31(2), 212–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsa.12421
Hai, N. C., Thanh, N. H., Chau, T. M., Van Sang, T., & Dong, V. H. (2023). Factors affecting the decision to choose a university of high school students: A study in An Giang Province, Vietnam. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 12(1), 535–545. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i1.22971
Joshi, P. L. (2022). A Conceptual Framework For The Factors Influencing The Accounting Students Career Choice As Public Accountants. Journal of Accounting Finance and Auditing Studies (JAFAS), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.32602/jafas.2022.016
Lee, J. E., Goh, M. L., & Yeo, S. F. (2023). Mental health awareness of secondary schools students: Mediating roles of knowledge on mental health, knowledge on professional help, and attitude towards mental health. Heliyon, 9(3), e14512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14512
Malau-Aduli, B. S., Jones, K., Alele, F., Adu, M. D., Drovandi, A., Knott, G., Young, L., & Jo, C. (2022). Readiness to enter the workforce: perceptions of health professions students at a regional Australian university. BMC Medical Education, 22(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03120-4
Muhammadiah, M., Hamsiah, A., Muzakki, A., Nuramila, N., & Fauzi, Z. A. (2022). The Role of the Professional Teacher as the Agent of Change for Students. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(4), 6887–6896. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v14i4.1372
Mulder, L., Akwiwu, E. U., Twisk, J. W. R., Koster, A. S., Ravesloot, J. H., Croiset, G., Kusurkar, R. A., & Wouters, A. (2023). Inequality of opportunity in selection procedures limits diversity in higher education: An intersectional study of Dutch selective higher education programs. PLoS ONE, 18(10 October), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292805
Muliadi, E., & Nasri, U. (2023). Future-Oriented Education: The Contribution of Educational Philosophy in Facing Global Challenges. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 8(4), 2420–2427. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v8i4.1807
Papp, I. C., Karácsony, P., & Juhász, T. (2023). Study Preferences in Higher Education. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 20(4), 229–248. https://doi.org/10.12700/aph.20.4.2023.4.13
Plooy, E. du, Casteleijn, D., & Franzsen, D. (2024). Personalized adaptive learning in higher education: A scoping review of key characteristics and impact on academic performance and engagement. Heliyon, 10(21), e39630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39630
Por, N., Say, C., & Mov, S. (2024). FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ DECISION IN CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES: BUILD BRIGHT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. 8(1), 1–15.
Ricardo, C., Vieira, C., Quintero-Manes, R., & Cano, J. (2023). Online or remote education? Preferences of Colombian higher education students. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13606
Saaida, M. B. E. (2023). AI-Driven transformations in higher education: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Educational Research and Studies, 5(1), 29–36. www.multidisciplinaryarticle.org
Sentosa, B. M., Pradesti, A., & Khusaini, K. (2025). Determinants of Private University Choice in Banten: The Role of Institutional Reputation and Location. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 15(3), 2089–2113. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v15i3.pp2089-2113
Skinner, A. T., Çiftçi, L., Jones, S., Klotz, E., Ondrušková, T., Lansford, J. E., Alampay, L. P., Al-Hassan, S. M., Bacchini, D., Bornstein, M. H., Chang, L., Deater-Deckard, K., Giunta, L. Di, Dodge, K. A., Gurdal, S., Liu, Q., Long, Q., Oburu, P., Pastorelli, C., … Yotanyamaneewong, S. (2022). Adolescent Positivity and Future Orientation, Parental Psychological Control, and Young Adult Internalising Behaviours during COVID-19 in Nine Countries. Social Sciences, 11(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11020075
Wu, Y., Zheng, Y., Feng, B., Yang, Y., Kang, K., & Zhao, A. (2024). Embracing ChatGPT for Medical Education: Exploring Its Impact on Doctors and Medical Students. JMIR Medical Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.2196/52483
Wut, T. M., Xu, J., & Lee, S. W. (2022). Does University Ranking Matter? Choosing a University in the Digital Era. Education Sciences, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12040229
Published
2026-06-17
How to Cite
latif, mukhtar, Janah, S. R., & Mardona. (2026). Determinants Of Public University Choice Among Senior High School Students In Jambi Province: Higher Education Preferences, Future Orientation, And Professional Attitudes. International Journal of Education, Vocational and Social Science , 5(03), 1704-1720. https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.4436
Contact Person +6282139474255
Email : ijevss@citakonsultindo.or.id / editor.ijevss@gmail.com
