Mapping Student Choice in Higher Education: Economic, Social and Infrastructure Effects in Albania

Marius Panxhi; Glediana Zeneli; Altin Hoti; Arsen Benga*

doi:10.36941/jesr-2025-0202

Authors

Marius Panxhi Department of Engineering and Technology, American College of the Middle East, Kuwait
Glediana Zeneli Department of Statistics and Applied Informatics, Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
Altin Hoti College of Business Administration, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait
Arsen Benga* College of Business Administration, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait *Corresponding author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2025-0202

Keywords:

university choice, economic factors, social influence, educational infrastructure, structural equation modeling, transition economies.

Abstract

This study examines the economic, social, and infrastructural determinants affecting university and major choices among Albanian high school seniors. The study, utilizing survey data gathered in early 2024 and evaluated via Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM), demonstrates that economic factors, including university fees and career opportunities, substantially influence student decisions. Social effects, such as parental supervision and peer contributions, are also crucial. The study reveals that infrastructures, including campus facilities and digital resources, serve as a significant mediator between economic and social determinants and academic preferences. These findings provide an extensive insight into decision-making tendencies and address a significant gap in studies concerning transitional economies. The report suggests actionable recommendations for policymakers and university administrators to improve educational access, match academic programs with labor market demands, and mitigate inequity within higher education systems.

Received: 13 August 2025 / Accepted:20 October 2025 / Published: 05 November 2025