The Role of Family and Friends in Decision-Making for Choosing a Faculty and University

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of family and friends on high school students’ decision-making regarding faculty and university selection. A mixed-method approach was used, with a sample of 150 students. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that family had the greatest influence (70%), particularly in terms of expectations and financial support, followed by friends (50%), who served as an information source but were not a primary deciding factor. Personal factors (30%) influenced students with clear career goals. The ANOVA results showed significant differences among these factors (p < 0.001), and correlation analysis indicated that family influence had the highest correlation with decision-making (r = 0.60). These findings highlight that students are primarily influenced by their families, suggesting the need for guidance to help them develop independent decision-making skills.