College dropouts say finances are the biggest barrier to re-enrollment.
The cost of higher education continues to be a threat to student retention and success, as more than half of students with some college but no degree are unable to re-enroll due to financial constraints.
New data from ed-tech group StraighterLine and UPCEA, an online and professional education association, found more than half of dropouts (58 percent) disagree that their current financial situation will allow them to afford courses and education-related experiences theirs; but among those who have previously enrolled in a degree program, the motivation to re-enroll would be to improve their income (53 percent).
“The disparity reveals a critical issue: although many people seek higher education to increase their income, they are often unable to afford it due to rising tuition costs,” according to the report.
Survey respondents indicated that they are academically and psychologically prepared for college, but financial problems prevent them from returning to school. Dropouts are less likely to view higher education as credible and important to their future goals.
How to do it
The survey was conducted from June 7 to 11, 2024, and the survey analysis included 1,018 former students.
Background: Across the US, 36.8 million Americans started postsecondary education but did not receive a certificate or degree, an increase of 2.3 million students from January 2021 to July 2022 alone, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
As institutions search for students to enroll and face demographic challenges, targeting dropouts is an opportunity to enroll more motivated students. At institutions focused on the bottom line, the number of “some colleges but no degrees” paints a picture of challenges and barriers to student success.
In the 2022-23 academic year, students more than all re-enrollers are more likely to graduate (52 percent), but those who started a bachelor’s degree program are more likely to return to their four-year course (57). percentage).
The buck stops here: The survey asked students to consider aspects of their college readiness, including academic preparation, mental toughness, flexibility, learning environment, financial readiness and time management skills.
Eighty-eight percent of respondents agree that they have knowledge of important academic skills (reading, writing, math and critical thinking) and 86 percent agree that they have the ability to use technology in research, studies and other learning activities. Similarly, 81 percent say they are adaptable and can persevere in the face of obstacles, and 71 percent say they can handle stress and challenges.
Suspended students are also invested in their education, with 63 percent agreeing that they will devote the time and effort necessary to complete their program of study. The main motivation for re-enrollment would be to improve their income (53 percent). Forty-four percent want to graduate as a personal goal, while 38 percent want a career change.
However, more than half (58 percent) do not agree that their current financial situation will allow them to afford courses and experiences related to their education; only 22 percent agree.
Building trust: Less than half of dropouts (42 percent) agree with the statement that colleges and universities are trustworthy, and just under a quarter of those enrolled in a degree program believe that getting a degree is no longer necessary.
Those who think colleges are trustworthy or communicative are more likely to re-enroll, showing how an institution’s efforts to build trust and support students while enrolling can influence their future decision-making.
But almost half of current students don’t believe their bosses are honest. The May Student Voice survey of Within Higher Ed and Generation Lab found 52 percent of students say they at least rely on their president or executive officer to ensure students have a positive campus experience.
Colleges and universities should plan how to address the interests and needs of prospective students to build trust and make students feel seen and heard, according to the white paper. “With this understandable lack of trust and the potential perception of a lack of value, it is important for institutions to consider this in their effort to build relationships.”
Administrators should also highlight post-graduation support services offered by the institution, such as career counseling, internships and professional development that can help graduates achieve their goals. A September report from Tyton Partners found only one-third of dropouts were aware of career counseling at their college.
Back to class: Overall, students who started a certificate program were more likely to be ready to re-enroll, compared to their peers who were in a degree program, but both had a normal distribution, with many falling into the “somewhat good” category.
The results of the study show that students who were mentally prepared to face the challenges (including having a good place to study, dealing with stress, willing to devote time and effort, and open to adapt), who had positive views of higher education institutions and saw the value of a degree or certificate were likely to be re-enrolled.
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