This study presents an exploratory bibliometric analysis of academic publications on higher education dropout from 2021 to 2024, with a focus on the post-pandemic context. Drawing on data from Scopus, 139 articles were analyzed across five dimensions: publication volume, key journals, geographic distribution, subject area contributions, and emerging research themes. The findings reveal significant shifts in publication activity, including a decline in 2022 due to COVID-19 disruptions, followed by a recovery in 2023 and 2024, accompanied by increased citation rates. Key journals, such as Sustainability, AERA Open and Frontiers in Education, played pivotal roles in advancing discussions on equity, technological adaptation, and sustainability. Geographically, most research originated from the United States, Germany and Spain, underscoring the need for broader representation. The interdisciplinary nature of the field is evident, with contributions dominated by Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, supplemented by studies in Environmental Sciences and Health. The analysis identified eight key themes, including Gender and Inequality, Student Persistence and Resilience, COVID-19 Impacts, and Technological Integration, reflecting evolving research priorities. These findings highlight the importance of equity-driven policies, innovative technological solutions, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the multifaceted challenges of higher education dropout. This preliminary study provides a foundation for future research and actionable insights to inform strategies aimed at improving student retention across diverse educational contexts.