The university, as an influential institution in shaping individuals’ character and cultural capital, plays a vital role in the development of society. Corruption in higher education particularly academic dishonesty is a major concern for governments, the academic community, and the public. Such corruption undermines the core norms of academic activity, leading to ethical degradation and diminishing the prestige of universities. This study aims to identify the social factors influencing academic dishonesty among students at the University of Tehran. Rational Choice Theory and Deterrence Theory were employed as the theoretical framework. A survey method was used, and data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire administered to a sample of 412 students. The results of multivariate regression analysis revealed that utilitarian needs had the greatest effect in predicting academic dishonesty, with a standardized coefficient of 0.48. This finding indicates that an increase in benefit-oriented expectations shaped by rational decision-making and cost-benefit analysis drives students toward dishonest behaviors. On a practical level, the findings underscore the need for multi-dimensional interventions: on one hand, the benefit-driven expectations of students from the educational system must be redefined; on the other, more effective deterrent mechanisms and stronger cultural and ethical bonds between students and academic and social institutions must be reinforced.