Decision of choosing study programs based on students’ perceptions of accounting study programs in Batam

This study was aimed to identify the factors of new college students’
perception in choosing an accounting study program in Batam and
strategies to develop an accounting study program on increasing the
number of incoming new students in Batam. This study was conducted
by using descriptive qualitative methods and data collection techniques
were done through structured interviews with informants from
undergraduate students or equivalent in the first, third, fifth, and seventh
semester of the accounting study program in Batam. The main research
informants were 34 students of the accounting study program, both of
Riau Islands University and Batam State Polytechnic. The results showed
that seven main factors in the decision to choose an accounting study
program in Batam, namely (1) transportation accessibility; (2)
accreditation of study programs; (3) employment; (4) competency
program; (5) supporting services and facilities; (6) lecturer education level;
(7) tuition fees. The finding of new factors in the decision to choose an
accounting study program, namely the educational background of high
school/vocational school, social science or accounting.