Comparison of Academic Achievements of Public and Private Diploma Graduates at Degree Level in Public HEI (AAUCC)

Abstract

This study attempted to examine the academic achievements of evening degree students from private and public colleges training background, at Addis Ababa University College of Commerce (AAUCC), during 11  consecutive semesters. The specific objectives of the study were to compare the performance differences, if any, between the two groups of students; to see the conditions of dropout and academic dismissal; and to find out possible measures that may be taken by the concerned bodies. Data for this study were collected from the Record Office of the college (AAUCC). The data of 344 public group and 89(because the admission quota was only 20% for the private) private group students of three departments of the college (Accounting, Business Administration and Information Systems and Marketing Management) were collected and analyzed. The study used quantitative data as its major source of information even though there were some qualitative data obtained from interviews with instructors, students, and counselor. The results of the study revealed that there were statistically significant differences between  private and public groups. Except during 3 semesters of the Department of Marketing Management, the public group students performed better during all the 11 semesters of the two departments and during 8 semesters of the other department. Dropout in general and dropout due to academic reason were also higher for private group students. Moreover, the  interviewees highly stressed that private and public institutions should work together to maintain higher education system attuned to the public good. Ideas were further discussed and implications about quality in higher education institutions were underlined.