We often hear about the alarming number of students who drop out of high school, a troubling trend that continues to plague our education system. However, what many people don’t realize is that we also have a significant college drop out problem. When I bring up this issue, people are often surprised, but the statistics don’t lie.
If you attended college 20 or more years ago, you probably remember it as a four-year journey. Even students who transferred from one school to another typically followed a two-year plan at each institution. Nowadays, however, college is frequently discussed as a six-year cycle. The thought of paying for six years of college, rather than four, is daunting—both for families and taxpayers. The extended timeline can quickly turn into a deep-pocketed investment that few can afford.
Yet, despite this extended time frame, an alarming number of students are dropping out of college, especially after their freshman year. According to a study by the American Institutes for Research, states are losing millions of dollars due to college dropouts. The financial impact is staggering, and the personal cost to students who leave without a degree is even greater.
The Real Reasons Behind the College Dropout Crisis
Some critics of the “college for all” mindset argue that low graduation rates prove their point—that college isn’t the right path for everyone. While there’s some validity to that perspective, there’s another issue that often goes unaddressed: the breakdown in college completion often begins long before students set foot on campus. The root cause is frequently tied to the college selection process itself.
Many students choose their colleges for the wrong reasons, leading to a poor fit that ultimately results in them dropping out. Here are some common pitfalls in the college selection process:
- Location: Some students choose a college simply because it’s close to home or, conversely, far enough away to escape parental oversight. Neither of these reasons guarantees a good fit.
- Friends: An over-reliance on friends’ opinions can cloud a student’s judgment, preventing them from considering other campuses that might better suit their needs.
- Parents: Sometimes, parents push their children toward a particular college, which can lead to resentment and a lack of engagement from the student.
Choosing the Right College: It’s All About Fit
The key to avoiding the college dropout problem starts with finding the right fit. With over 3,800 colleges and universities in the U.S., there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some campuses are rural, while others are located in bustling urban centers. Certain schools offer extensive support for students with learning differences, while others do not. Some colleges are known for their vibrant Greek life, others for their unique scheduling options or even their exceptional dining halls.
When considering colleges, students should ask themselves, “Is this a place where I can thrive?” This question goes beyond academics; it touches on social life, support systems, campus culture, and the overall environment.
The Importance of Freshman Year
The freshman year of college is a pivotal time. Many colleges offer extensive programs to help students transition, but even with support, the shift from high school to college can be overwhelming. For some students, the brief 2-3 months between high school graduation and the start of college isn’t enough time to mature and prepare for the demands of higher education.
This is where a gap year can make all the difference. Taking a year after high school to pursue other interests, gain life experience, or travel can be incredibly beneficial. It gives students time to grow, mature, and approach college with a clearer sense of purpose and readiness. Many colleges now support requests for deferred admission, allowing students to take a gap year without losing their place in the freshman class.
Looking back, I realize I could have had a richer college experience if I had taken a gap year. While the support for such a decision wasn’t as robust back then, today, there are numerous structured programs designed to offer meaningful, year-long experiences that can help students return to college more prepared and motivated.
Addressing the College Dropout Crisis
Addressing the college dropout problem requires a multi-faceted approach. It starts with a more thoughtful and deliberate college selection process, where students prioritize fit over convenience or external pressures. It also involves recognizing that not all students are ready for college immediately after high school—and that’s okay. Taking the time to ensure that students are both emotionally and academically prepared for the challenges of college can make all the difference in their ability to persist and graduate.
In conclusion, while the college dropout rate is a serious issue, it’s not an insurmountable one. By focusing on finding the right fit, considering the benefits of a gap year, and ensuring students are truly ready for the demands of college, we can help more students achieve their academic goals and reduce the number of dropouts. Remember, college should be a place where students thrive, not just survive. Let’s work together to make sure that more students have the opportunity to complete their degrees and reach their full potential.
| Freshman retention rate | College Graduation rate | Cost to taxpayers (in Millions) | |
| Alabama (AL) | 76.40% | 47.40% | $69.90 |
| Alaska (AK) | 70.70% | 25.00% | $11.90 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 77.70% | 54.70% | $54.30 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 69.60% | 41.20% | $34.40 |
| California (CA) | 84.30% | 62.00% | $228.80 |
| Colorado (CO) | 76.30% | 53.40% | $79.00 |
| Connecticut (CT) | 83.70% | 56.20% | $24.80 |
| Delaware (DE) | 85.10% | 70.70% | $14.80 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | 39.50% | 17.20% | $6.70 |
| Florida (FL) | 85.60% | 59.20% | $57.30 |
| Georgia (GA) | 80.80% | 51.00% | $60.00 |
| Hawaii (HI) | 75.10% | 50.90% | $11.10 |
| Idaho (ID) | 63.50% | 32.70% | $24.50 |
| Illinois (IL) | 80.20% | 59.50% | $78.90 |
| Indiana (IN) | 77.10% | 52.50% | $110.30 |
| Iowa (IA) | 83.30% | 65.70% | $25.70 |
| Kansas (KS) | 74.90% | 54.80% | $38.20 |
| Kentucky (KY) | 72.30% | 46.30% | $64.20 |
| Louisiana (LA) | 71.50% | 39.80% | $71.80 |
| Maine (ME) | 72.40% | 50.60% | $14.90 |
| Maryland (MD) | 82.30% | 63.00% | $46.80 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 79.00% | 52.70% | $50.00 |
| Michigan (MI) | 80.30% | 59.10% | $124.50 |
| Minnesota (MN) | 78.50% | 53.20% | $57.40 |
| Mississippi (MS) | 75.20% | 49.30% | $25.50 |
| Missouri (MO) | 76.00% | 53.80% | $56.50 |
| Montana (MT) | 69.30% | 41.10% | $17.00 |
| Nebraska (NE) | 77.10% | 54.30% | $20.00 |
| Nevada (NV) | 75.10% | 43.10% | $20.60 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | 83.90% | 65.40% | $10.40 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | 84.70% | 63.60% | $43.80 |
| New Mexico (NM) | 71.30% | 41.00% | $19.80 |
| New York (NY) | 82.50% | 56.80% | $117.40 |
| North Carolina (NC) | 81.20% | 58.80% | $102.80 |
| North Dakota (ND) | 77.00% | 47.00% | $14.20 |
| Ohio (OH) | 79.20% | 56.10% | $123.50 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | 70.60% | 46.10% | $42.50 |
| Oregon (OR) | 76.70% | 54.10% | $27.30 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | 81.10% | 61.70% | $133.40 |
| Puerto Rico (PR) | 83.50% | 42.70% | $29.30 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 79.20% | 53.60% | $10.90 |
| South Carolina (SC) | 78.80% | 59.50% | $47.30 |
| South Dakota (SD) | 73.90% | 46.40% | $11.60 |
| Tennessee (TN) | 72.00% | 44.20% | $79.60 |
| Texas (TX) | 74.40% | 48.90% | $238.00 |
| Utah (UT) | 73.40% | 47.70% | $24.50 |
| Vermont (VT) | 86.00% | 71.60% | $7.80 |
| Virgin Islands (VI) | 72.80% | 29.20% | $1.70 |
| Virginia (VA) | 86.10% | 67.30% | $60.20 |
| Washington (WA) | 83.50% | 66.40% | $50.00 |
| West Virginia (WV) | 72.30% | 45.10% | $29.00 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | 79.30% | 58.60% | $65.20 |
| Wyoming (WY) | 72.50% | 56.90% | $7.70 |