Factors Affecting the Pre-college Student's Choice of Islamic Azad University

This study was done in order to investigate factors affecting the pre-college students’ choice of university in provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. Using a quantitative survey study, data was collected by a closed-item questionnaire. Re-trail method and Spearman correlation were applied for the questionnaire reliability showing (r = 0.79). Also the questionnaire validity was controlled and confirmed by a number of key informants experts in the field. Participants were selected via cluster method sampling. For determining effect sizes, however, non-parametric methods were used. Findings showed that economic factors, university related factors, personal factors and social factors affect student's choice of university respectively. Additionally all effects sizes were at the high and very high level.