This paper explores the factors affecting the academic progress of students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at a university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach with purposive sampling, the study identifies key factors contributing to delays in student progress from the second year onward. These include a lack of support from family, friends, and academic advisors; inappropriate teaching methods employed by lecturers; and distractions from activities such as multi-level marketing schemes and illegal religious organizations. Additionally, stress, depression, and low self-confidence are identified as significant contributors to academic stagnation. The study also proposes solutions to mitigate these challenges. The findings are valuable not only for students, faculty, and the university in question, but also serve as a useful reference for other educational institutions facing similar issues.