Linking Finance To Access: The Role Of Institutional Expenditure In Shaping Admission And Enrollment Outcomes At IUIU–Females’ Campus (2015/2016–2022/2023).

Abstract

Education financing and institutional admission policies are critical determinants of access and participation in higher education, especially in female-centered institutions. This study examined the relationship between expenditure, admission rate, and enrollment rate at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)–Females’ Campus, Kabojja, covering the period 2015/2016 to 2022/2023. Specifically, the study sought to (i) examine the relationship between the rate of admission and the rate of enrollment, and (ii) examine the relationship between institutional expenditure and the rate of enrollment at IUIU–Females’ Campus. The study adopted a positivist paradigm using a quantitative correlational research design. Secondary data were extracted from the university’s annual admission, enrollment, and expenditure records for the eight academic years under review. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product-moment correlation to determine the relationships between the study variables. Reliability and validity were ensured through the use of verified institutional records and consistent data extraction procedures. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the rate of admission and the rate of enrollment (r = 0.820, p = 0.013), implying that enrollment growth was largely dependent on increased admission opportunities. Conversely, a weak positive but statistically non-significant relationship was found between expenditure and enrollment rate (r = 0.299, p = 0.472), suggesting that increased institutional spending did not necessarily translate into higher student enrollment during the study period. These results imply that while expanding admission capacity directly enhances female participation, expenditure alone may have limited influence if not strategically directed toward enrollment-supportive initiatives. The study concludes that admission policies and institutional intake capacity play a greater role in shaping female enrollment trends at IUIU–Females’ Campus than expenditure levels alone. It recommends that the university strengthen its admission systems, align financial planning with enrollment objectives, and adopt gender-responsive budgeting to enhance access and equity. The findings contribute to the literature on resource dependence theory and human capital theory, emphasizing the need for efficient allocation of resources to achieve meaningful educational participation among female learners in Uganda’s higher education institutions.