Research on the Reasons Behind the High College Dropout Rate

The Reasons of High College Dropout Rates

Many students all across the country dream of being accepted into college. For some, college is a start toward success that will carry on throughout the rest of their life. With the importance of education being stressed by many parents and teachers alike, one may be confused as to why the college dropout rate is high. Since college is largely responsible for providing an education in a career that will last a lifetime, it is paramount that students remain in college. Some students may dropout because of the major financial burden the costs of college can cause. However, two reasons in particular stand out as to why the college dropout rate is increasing: the cost of college is high and students are not prepared to face the challenges associated with a higher education. If students are able to afford college and are better prepared for it, the college dropout rate would be less.

First, in 2000 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that one out of every three Americans will drop out of college. This statistic is overwhelming as in 1960, only one in five students did not finish college upon starting. Many studies suggest that a large majority of the college dropouts are members of low-income families. It was found by the U.S. Department of Education that only 41 percent of college students considered to be low-income graduated within five years from a four-year school. Conversely, the number of college graduates who have a higher income is 66 percent. Fortunately, 47 percent of the low income students who did not return to school did not leave without having an acceptable academic standing (Martindale). The financial difficulties associated with college can be difficult for many to handle and play a large role in students discontinuing their college enrollment.

Furthermore, many students are forced to work to pay for college. When trying to juggle a full-time job with succeeding in school, it can be entirely too much for a student to take. Granted, it would be much easier for a college student to do well in school if he/she did not have to work. However, it is understood that having an income is a vital component to being able to pay off students loans generated from a high tuition. The costs associated with college extend deeper than just paying for the classes. Almost all classes require a costly textbook and sometimes additional material such as calculators and software is mandatory, as well. With that said, it is very difficult for students to be completely dedicated to college due to the work required in paying for classes and materials. In fact, as many as 60 percent of students believe the combined cost of textbooks and paying for the classes is too much to handle (Geller).

Next, many students drop out of college because they enter college unprepared. Reports indicate that some high school seniors do not have what it takes to be successful in college. Many people place the blame on the students for not taking more challenging courses, as well as on teachers who are trained poorly. In 2005, only 51 percent of high school seniors could be considered prepared to tackle a collegiate level of reading based on the ACT college admissions test (Beiser). That is a shocking figure and indicates that high schools need to provide students with more reading education so the students will be prepared to tackle a higher level of reading once they enter college.

Moreover, the education system can make more of an effort in providing students with the skills required for college. It has been discovered that a link to success is attributed to students challenging themselves in high school by taking advanced high school courses. It has been suggested that colleges should provide students with samples of what an acceptable college freshmen level of writing should be at. If colleges set a standard and demonstrated what type of coursework is acceptable, teachers and students would be able to tell whether or not they are taking steps in the right direction (Beiser).

Furthermore, changes must be made in order to better prepare students for college and decrease the dropout rate. Many high schools make courses easier for students while inflating grades. It is common that students do not view homework as important and some parents even allow their children to carry that attitude. Similarly, some states do not have high academic standards so when it comes time for students to enter college, they are not ready for the difficultly of work (Our view on Education: Not ready for college - Opinion - USATODAY).

With that said, it is very important that students are prepared for college. As the college dropout rate is increased, educators must question what they can do to curb this unpopular trend. As previously mentioned, the cost of college can be extraordinarily high. Students can buckle under the pressure of trying to work many hours in an effort to pay back student loans, bills, and live their daily life. In today's economy, it is very difficult to find a job, which is why many people are enrolling in college. However, when college is too difficult to pay for, too many students do not make it to their graduation. Similarly, some students drop out of college simply because they were not equipped with skills and knowledge necessary to survive in a college environment. Because of high schools allowing students to enroll in courses that are not challenging, students are not forced to experience the same level of curriculum that they will in college. Therefore, when students enter college they feel overwhelmed and unprepared. With that said, students must find ways to alleviate college's financial burdens while being better prepared to face the challenges associated with college. If those two areas are tackled, it can be hoped that the college dropout rate will decrease.

Works Cited

Beiser, H. "USA TODAY - Not ready for college." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World.

Geller, Juliette. "The college dropout: Why students leave school - College news." College News - The Voice Of The College Student.

Martindale, Gayla. "College Drop Out Rates - Who's to Blame? - State University Blog." Online University Degree Search - U.S. University Directory - State Universities and College Rankings.

Our view on Education: Not ready for college - Opinion - USATODAY.