Understanding why most students don't finish college

Hello! I've come across some statistics indicating that quite a few students don't manage to finish their degree — I'm really nervous about falling into that group. From your experience or understanding, what are the main factors that contribute to students not completing college?

Hey, I definitely understand your concern and this is a legitimate issue for some students. Factors that contribute to students not completing college can vary widely, but here are the most commonly cited reasons:

1. Financial Struggles: College is expensive and not all students can afford tuition, books, and living costs. Even with financial aid and scholarships, it can be a crushing burden. If students can’t balance school and work, or if their financial situation changes, they might drop out.

2. Lack of Preparation: Many students begin college without being adequately prepared for the academic rigor of college classes. High school and college are very different, and a lack of preparatory resources or weak foundational skills can lead to poor performance and eventual drop out.

3. Health Issues: Physical or mental health can be a serious impediment to a student completing their degree. Colleges offer support resources, but sometimes those aren't enough or students don't know how to access them.

4. Working While in School: While part-time jobs can be beneficial, full-time employment can be incredibly difficult to balance with a full course load, and this might lead to a student leaving the school.

5. Unclear Goals and Lack of Direction: Sometimes a student might not have a clear goal for their future, or they might realize that they don’t actually want or need the degree they're pursuing. If a student is unsure why they are in college or what they want to get out of it, they may lose motivation and drop out.

To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to proactively address each of them: plan your finances, use academic resources to prepare for college-level work, use college health services as required, balance work and school responsibilities effectively, and reflect on your own goals to choose a degree that aligns with your interests and career intentions.