Defining student success as a multidimensional concept: A scoping review

Student success is a critically important concept in educational assessment and research, yet a comprehensive synthesis of its defining elements remains absent. To address this gap, a scoping review was conducted, identifying 274 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2022. From these studies, data pertaining to conceptualizations of student success and related factors were extracted and analyzed using inductive coding to uncover key themes and recurring patterns. The review culminated in a comprehensive definition of student success, encompassing five core dimensions: persistence and academic progress, academic performance, attainment of learning objectives, satisfaction, and career success. Additionally, four distinct categories of factors related to student success were identified, including background and pre-college experiences, psychosocial capital, educational experiences, and institutional factors. These findings provide grounds for moving beyond traditional narrow interpretations of student success by acknowledging its multidimensional nature. This understanding of student success’ multidimensionality is essential to equip educational institutions in better preparing students to navigate the complexities of contemporary societal challenges, leading to the development of more well-rounded and successful graduates.