One in Three College Students Consider Leaving Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — About a third of currently enrolled students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certificate or certification (32%) say they have considered stopping their coursework in the past six months. This is part of a downward trend and is now nine percentage points lower than the record high of 41% measured in 2022.

These results are from the Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2025 State of Higher Education Study, conducted via web Oct. 2-31, 2024. The survey is based on 13,933 current and prospective college students aged 18 to 59 who have not completed a degree program. The study includes U.S. adults who are currently enrolled, have been enrolled but stopped taking courses toward a degree/credential, or have never been enrolled. Respondents were recruited from an opt-in online panel.

Certificate, Associate Degree Students Most Likely to Consider Withdrawing From Program

The greatest declines in the percentage of postsecondary students considering withdrawal are seen among industry certification and bachelor’s degree seekers. The share of students thinking about leaving an industry certification or bachelor’s degree program declined by seven points each from 2023 to 2024. Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 students pursuing a certificate or associate degree say they have considered leaving their program.

Hispanic, Black, Caregiving Students More at Risk of Leaving Program

As was the case in 2023, Hispanic and Black students are more likely than their White and Asian peers to say they have recently considered leaving their postsecondary program. Forty-two percent of Hispanic students and 35% of Black students say they have considered withdrawing in the past six months, compared with 27% of Asian students and 28% of White students.

Students caring for a child or adult family member are more likely than their non-caregiving peers to report they have considered leaving their program in the past six months. Among all caregivers, those who are caring for both a child and an adult family member (59%), as well as those caring for an adult family member only (45%), are the most likely to say they have considered leaving their program.

Emotional Stress, Mental Health Main Reasons Students Consider Withdrawing

Emotional stress and mental health continue to be the two most important reasons currently enrolled students say they have recently thought about leaving their program. About half of students who have considered withdrawing in the past six months (49%) say it was due to emotional stress, while 41% say it was for personal mental health reasons.

Cost continues to be another major reason. However, the percentage citing cost of attendance decreased slightly from 31% in 2023 to 24% in 2024; cost and concerns about belonging on campus (24%) now tie as withdrawal considerations.

Implications

While the percentage of postsecondary students who have considered leaving their program has declined since its peak in 2022, the fact that nearly one in three students are still contemplating withdrawal underscores the persistent challenges facing today’s learners.

Emotional stress and mental health concerns remain the top drivers — outpacing even financial strain — indicating that program success and completion are deeply tied to students’ wellbeing. This is especially true for Black and Hispanic students, who report higher rates of withdrawal consideration, as well as for student caregivers who often juggle personal responsibilities alongside their coursework.

It is essential for colleges and policymakers focused on improving retention and degree attainment to address these nonacademic barriers. Investing in comprehensive mental health support, flexible learning options and resources tailored to diverse student populations could make the difference in whether a student stays or leaves.

Learn more about the Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2025 State of Higher Education Study.

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