Factors affecting academic performance of female students at Mekelle University, Ethiopia

The study examined factors affecting academic performance of female students in Mekelle University, Ethiopia. A total of 392 regular undergraduate students were sampled using (i) stratified random sampling-since students stratified into heterogeneous colleges and departments, (ii) proportional sampling method since number of students differ in all departments, and (iii) simple random sampling to select respondents. Students were ranked from 1-4, where as: 4= CGPA>=3.75, 3 = CGPA<3.75 & CGPA>=3.5, 2=CPA<3.5 and CGPA>=3.25, 1 = CGPA<3.25. An ordered logit model was used to analyze data. Results indicated that academic background of students such as National examination results of grade 10 and grade 12, study strategy, choice of department, and involvement in network studying system were significant determinants of academic performance. Socioeconomic characteristics of parents and tutorial class did not have a significant impact on academic performance. Strategies should be developed to allow weak students learn and take up study and time management strategies employed by high acadenic perfiormers.