What's the college dropout rate like?

Hey everyone, I'm curious about the dropout rates in colleges across the US. In particular, what colleges have a high dropout rate and why might this be? I'm trying to choose the right school for me, and I do not want to set myself up in an environment where I am more likely to drop out. Thanks in advance for any insights!

A good question, and certainly an important consideration when choosing a college, because persistence to graduation is something many students grapple with. College dropout rates vary widely between schools, but let's look at the figures in the broad sense before diving into specific schools.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, as of 2019, the overall six-year college dropout rate in the U.S. was around 40%. This means that out of all students who start college, only about 60% of them complete their degree within six years.

However, these rates can be much higher or lower depending on the school. For instance, top-tier schools like Harvard or Stanford typically see graduation rates above 90%, meaning less than 10% of students drop out. On the other hand, some for-profit institutions and community colleges may see dropout rates as high as 70%.

A complex mesh of factors can influence dropout rates, including the admission standards of the school, the level of academic, financial, and emotional support available to students, student preparedness for college-level work, affordability, and the socioeconomic demographics of the student body. In other words, if a school has rigorous academic demands but lacks adequate support systems (such as tutoring or counseling services), students may feel overwhelmed and drop out. Similarly, if a school is expensive and doesn't provide much financial aid, students may be forced to drop out due to inability to pay for their education.

Remember, though, that a higher dropout rate doesn't automatically mean a school is bad. It could be serving a non-traditional student population, cater to part-time students, or offer valuable community-oriented programs. The key is to understand the specific circumstances and ask whether those environments would support or hinder your own path to graduation. Best of luck on your college search!