<![CDATA[The low interest of some grade XII students of SMAN 1 Rantau Kopar to continue their education to college. Although the school has provided various information and guidance regarding college, there are still students who are hesitant to continue their studies due to economic factors, lack of motivation, environmental influences, and the assumption that college graduates do not necessarily get decent jobs. This study aims to determine students' perceptions of the importance of higher education, describe students' interests in continuing their education to college, and analyze the factors that influence this interest. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a field research type. The research location was carried out at SMAN 1 Rantau Kopar, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau. Informants in the study consisted of 4 grade XII students as key informants, as well as the principal, Guidance and Counseling teacher, student affairs teacher, and parents of students as supporting informants. Data collection techniques were carried out through in-depth interviews and documentation. Data were analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that most students have a positive perception of the importance of continuing their education to college because it is considered to increase knowledge, expand job opportunities, and improve the future. However, students' interest in continuing their studies is still influenced by several internal and external factors. Internal factors include student motivation to learn, attention, interest, and self-confidence. External factors include family economic conditions, parental support, peer influence, the school environment, and information about higher education. Therefore, support from family, school, and the surrounding environment is needed to increase students' interest in continuing their education to higher education.]]>
