More than one in three students who enroll in college never complete their degree. That figure is not just a statistic – it represents millions of families who invest time, money, and hope into higher education, only to see it fall short of its promise.

Only 62% of students who start college earn a degree within 6 years, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. That number has held relatively steady, and reminds families of a truth: one in three students don’t finish.

As college costs continue to rise, this is an important aspect to plan for. With student loan borrowing rising, the students who struggle the most to repay their debt are the ones that never graduated.

Here’s why 38% of students never finish college, and ways that you might be able to protect yourself.

College Dropout Rates

The scope of the problem depends on how it’s measured. EducationData.org reports that more than 22% of full-time freshmen drop out after their first year. U.S. News places the number closer to 25%, with about 35% not returning to the same school.

The six-year completion rate offers a broader view: only 62% of students finish a degree within that time. That leaves 38% who either take longer or stop out entirely, a number that has persisted despite attention from policymakers and schools. And this data comes from the National Student Clearinghouse, which tracks data for the Department of Education.

First-generation, low-income, and community college students are most at risk. Private for-profit colleges have the highest dropout rates (nearly 39%) compared to just under 18% for public four-year schools.

Financial Pressure Is The Leading Cause Of Dropping Out

The cost of college continues to strain families. According to EducationData.org, 41% of college dropouts say money problems forced them to leave. Half of those students found the cost of tuition unaffordable, and nearly as many struggled with added expenses such as books and housing.

The average student loan debt for 2023 graduates was about $37,650. Many students reach a point where the burden outweighs the perceived benefit of continuing, especially when financial aid falls short or when they can earn a paycheck in a strong job market.

Programs like the California Promise Program and targeted scholarships can offer relief, but too many students still fall through the cracks. When a family runs out of funds, students often have no choice but to pause or stop entirely.

That’s why it’s essential that families plan for the ROI of College before jumping in.

Academic And Mental Health Issues

Transitioning to college coursework is a challenge. Roughly 26% of dropouts cite academic difficulty as a factor, from failing grades to the lack of support services like tutoring or advising. Some students who excelled in high school find themselves unprepared for the pace and expectations of college. This could also be partially due to grade inflation.

Mental health is another major concern. At least 22% of dropouts mention mental health issues as a contributing factor. 

Support for mental health varies by school. Larger institutions may have more resources, but demand often outpaces supply. First-generation college students, who may already lack family experience with college, are especially vulnerable to stress and burnout.

Family Commitments And Changing Priorities

Family and work obligations rank high among reasons why students leave college. EducationData notes that 37% of dropouts left to care for family or manage other personal responsibilities.

Many of these students are balancing work and school. For nontraditional students (older enrollees or those with children) the pull of real-life obligations can be stronger than classroom demands. Some simply don’t see a way to make it all work, particularly if the degree path is long or uncertain.

Motivation and life changes also play a role. Inside Higher Ed reports that 42% of students who stopped going to college pointed to life circumstances as a reason for leaving. In some cases, students choose to launch businesses or take other opportunities that seem more immediate or practical.

Planning Ahead

High college dropout rates reflect challenges that can’t be solved with a single fix. For individuals and families, better planning and more understanding of the risks can make a difference.

High schools can support students with college counseling and financial literacy. Colleges can improve by offering predictive tools to flag students who may be falling behind. And public policy can focus on programs that support retention, especially for those most at risk.

Parents, meanwhile, should keep asking questions. Does this school graduate the majority of its students? What’s the average debt load? What happens if our student struggles? Using tools like the College Scorecard can help you see the answers for an individual college.

Higher education is still a solid path to a better paying career and future, but only if students are able to finish. Leaving without a degree too often means lost money, limited options, and lasting regret.

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