Inteligência orçamentária e permanência estudantil: um estudo de caso sob a ótica discente no IFPE Campus Paulista (2024-2025).

Abstract

This mixed-method case study (quantitative and qualitative) aimed to analyze how the management and distribution of student support measures affect the retention of students at IFPE Campus Paulista in the years 2024 and 2025. The research was conducted with 33 higher education students through an electronic questionnaire structured into three sections (sociodemographic data, access and use of support, and qualitative perceptions). The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data through thematic content analysis. The results showed that 54.5% of respondents received support, while 24.2% applied but did not receive it. Among those who received support, it had a decisive and transformative impact on retention, especially to cover transportation and food costs. Those who did not receive support reported concrete difficulties in maintaining attendance and academic performance. The main weakness pointed out was the lack of transparency in the selection criteria and the lack of individualized feedback to applicants who were not selected. It is concluded that budget management directly affects student retention, but it has gaps in transparency, speed, and value adequacy, suggesting the adoption of budget intelligence practices to optimize public resources.