Presenting a Model for Explaining the Factors Affecting Student Satisfaction at Islamic Azad University

Abstract

Achieving student satisfaction is among the key concerns of the higher education system in the country, yet it has received limited attention from researchers. Accordingly, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the factors affecting student satisfaction at Islamic Azad University across the country. This applied study collected data using a descriptive–survey method. The research approach is mixed-methods; in the qualitative phase, following preliminary library-based reviews, the factors influencing student satisfaction at Islamic Azad University nationwide were validated by experts using the Delphi method and a researcher-developed questionnaire. The statistical population in this phase consisted of 15 faculty members and expert managers with specialized knowledge from the Islamic Azad University units of Science and Research, Tehran North, Tehran South, and Kashan, who were selected through non-probability judgmental sampling. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase of the study, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 3 software to assess the validity of the proposed model. The statistical population in this phase included master’s and doctoral students at the Islamic Azad University units of Science and Research and Kashan, from whom 381 individuals were selected as the statistical sample using stratified random sampling. Ultimately, the results indicated that six categories of factors—educational services, research services, facilities and infrastructure, electronic services, administrative services, and welfare services—significantly affect student satisfaction at Islamic Azad University nationwide.