When we first start college, we seldom contemplate the prospect of quitting. We’ve waited long enough for this chance and worked hard enough to get here – quitting is not an option! Unfortunately, regardless of how dedicated and prepared a student is, only 58% of enrolled students finish within six years. Why do students leave college?
The reasons vary significantly, but they are usually pecuniary, however, they may also be personal, such as job or family responsibilities.
If you’re thinking of dropping out of college, know that you’re not alone and that you should think about and understand all of your alternatives to make the best decision.
Why Do Students Leave College?
Students drop out of college for a variety of reasons. In some situations, it is a personal decision, while in others, individuals feel they have no option owing to their circumstances. Here are the most typical explanations for the high college dropout rate.
1. Financial Motives
Many students are unable to sustain themselves through school without working, and part-time hours are often insufficient to meet the costs of tuition and housing. College is sometimes too costly for students, who often have other fees and responsibilities to consider, such as supporting their families. Even with student loans, attending college may generate financial hardship, leading individuals to believe that they would be better off dropping out to save money.
2. Other Common Causes
While financial concerns are most likely the most prevalent cause for dropping out of college, each student has their own set of reasons.
Unfortunately, some people have familial troubles, a lack of support, or unanticipated medical concerns that are beyond their control.
Other pupils feel school to be very demanding and underprepared.
In other situations, students are dissatisfied with their chosen route and are bored with their assignments, considering their studies to be a waste of time.
Many students get dissatisfied with their studies and persuade themselves that they do not need a degree, and as a result, many drop out before finishing their studies.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Dropping Out of College
College is not appropriate for everyone. It varies depending on the individual and their specific job aspirations. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of dropping out of college. Before making any judgments, it is critical to thoroughly comprehend the relevance.
Advantages
Dropping out of college does have positives, such as the opportunity to make money rather than accruing debt while studying, which is one of the main reasons why students drop out.
If you decide to drop out of school, you will have the opportunity to explore your hobbies, discover what makes you happy, and choose the best approach to pursue your career – it does not have to be via official college courses. It might provide a chance to investigate all of your learning possibilities, such as checking out various courses and seminars.
Disadvantages
Dropping out of college offers perks, but it also has cons. To begin with, if you drop out of college, you will not have a degree or any form of recognized certificate to show for yourself.
If you took out student loans, you will have to repay them whether or not you completed your education, and if you wish to return to school later in life, it may be more difficult. Your tasks and family responsibilities will only grow.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Rising College Dropout Rate?
If you’ve considered all of your options and determined that college isn’t right for you right now, that’s fine! Nobody is here to pass judgment on you or tell you how to live your life.
However, if you choose to drop out of college due to your circumstances and feel as if you have no choice, it’s important to understand that you have choices before making that final decision – particularly if you’re dropping out of college for financial reasons.
1. What Role Can Parents Play?
It is critical that you speak with your children as a parent. Your children should always feel safe approaching you about their problems. As a parent, you are one of the most effective instruments for helping your kid comprehend their job alternatives and choose the best route for them to take to get there. Be as engaged and supportive of your child’s schooling as possible.
If your kid shows a desire to leave college, encouraging them to take a sabbatical or a gap year might be beneficial. Taking some time off rather than dropping out totally might be a smart compromise, allowing them to find out what they truly want.
Even suggesting a different degree or college, such as University of The People, a tuition-free online university, can be a great idea for a more realistic way for them to finish their studies without experiencing the same level of stress.
2. What Can Universities Do?
Colleges can consider lowering tuition costs or offering more scholarships to those who demonstrate financial need in order to keep the college dropout rate from rising.
Offering online courses is also a way to make studies more accessible to all students, allowing them to work and study at the same time while creating their own schedule.
Colleges should also provide on-campus support and counselling to students in order to understand their problems and provide solutions. If a student is struggling in their classes, a service like subsidized tutoring can be extremely beneficial.
The institution should also make contact with the student’s parents in order to fully grasp their position and how they can assist.
3. What Should Students Do?
If a student is suffering, it is critical that they seek assistance and investigate all of the numerous alternatives available at their institution, whether it be a counselor, an adviser, or other programs and plans.
If a student is having difficulty paying for education, they might consider modifying their student loan arrangement, such as delaying.
It can be beneficial for students to look into different, more realistic ways to finish their studies, such as University of the People, which allows students to study remotely and at their own pace. Not only does an online university allow students to work while they study, but University of the People, as a tuition-free university, removes the financial burden of obtaining a degree.
Before you decide whether or not to drop out of college, make sure you’ve explored all of your options and understand what will be best for you not only in the short term, but also in the long run.
