Each year, more students are enrolling in postgraduate degree programs. However, many students will fail to complete the degree and drop out. Dropout results in economic and psychological repercussions and potentially hinders career advancement. Despite increasing enrolment in postgraduate programs, existing studies predominantly focus on the undergraduate level. Still, master’s students, assumed to possess maturity and experience, exhibit lower completion rates. This study focuses on master’s students in tourism, a critical sector for countries reliant on skilled professionals. The research aims to elucidate the factors influencing dropout decisions and students’ perceptions regarding the economic implications. Findings suggest that motivation for pursuing a master’s degree in tourism is often driven more by personal satisfaction than purely financial considerations. Furthermore, these graduates may not receive the expected recognition for their advanced qualifications upon entering the labor market. As such, comprehensive analysis in tourism education is imperative to address dropout issues effectively and better align educational outcomes with job market demands.