iskolai utak és pályautak with dropout students, and compared their data to databases of persistent and at-risk students ( PERSIST 2019( PERSIST , N = 2000. Since the fi nancial reasons play an important role in dropout, we also examined the social and regional composition of fee paying students (based on 30 interviews and statistical data of admitted students). Results show that the dropouts heterogeneous group composed of four distinct subgroups, with diff erent social and educational background, who are in danger due to diff erent reasons. In addition to individual-level causes, system-level characteristics of higher education are also responsible for the increase in dropouts. Th e disadvantaged students are at-risk in a higher proportion.