Determinants of Degree Completion in Financial Engineering at Riga Technical University
IEEE 66th International Scientific Conference on Information Technology and Management Science of Riga Technical University (ITMS 2025): Proceedings 2025
Nataļja Budkina, Andrejs Matvejevs, Oksana Pavļenko

This study analyses factors influencing the likelihood of a student successfully obtaining a degree in Financial Engineering bachelor’s program at Riga Technical University (RTU). Statistical and econometric methods, including correlation analysis and logistic regression, are employed to estimate the significance of various factors such as first-year academic results, financial situation, secondary school performance, participation in extracurricular activities while studying at university, and geographical origin. Using data from 2009 to 2024, we identify the main determinants behind the likelihood of graduating from Financial Engineering. One of the significant findings is that students from outside the capital show a significantly higher completion rate than those from Riga, which points to the importance of such factors as motivation, adaptability, and financial constraints. Factors decreasing graduation likelihood include insufficient prior mathematical proficiency, poor performance during the first study year, and financial difficulties, which often lead to dropouts. Conversely, strong academic performance in the first year increases the probability of completing the program. Gender and student mobility programs are also evaluated for their potential impact. The results imply that increasing targeted financial help and offering more comprehensive academic support could improve graduation rates. The findings may be helpful for university administrators to reinforce student support mechanisms, particularly for at-risk groups. Performing the conducted analysis with data on other study programs can further contribute to understanding the factors that might help achieve higher academic success among university students and help RTU refine its educational strategies.


Keywords
correlation analysis, graduation rate, logistic regression, odds ratio
DOI
10.1109/ITMS67030.2025.11236506
Hyperlink
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11236506

Budkina, N., Matvejevs, A., Pavļenko, O. Determinants of Degree Completion in Financial Engineering at Riga Technical University. In: IEEE 66th International Scientific Conference on Information Technology and Management Science of Riga Technical University (ITMS 2025): Proceedings, Latvia, Riga, 9-10 October, 2025. Piscataway: IEEE, 2025, pp.1-5. ISBN 979-8-3315-4529-1. e-ISBN 979-8-3315-4528-4. ISSN 2771-6953. e-ISSN 2771-6937. Available from: doi:10.1109/ITMS67030.2025.11236506

Publication language
English (en)
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