College Dropout Rates

Report Highlights. College dropout rates indicate that 39% of first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree seeking students do not complete their degree program within 8 years.

• First-time full-time undergraduate freshmen have a 12-month dropout rate of 22.3%. 
• 43.1 million Americans were college dropouts as of July 2023; 1,009,237 of them re-enrolled that fall.
• College dropouts make an average of 35% less income than bachelor’s degree holders.
• College dropouts are 100% more likely to be unemployed than any degree holder.

Related reports include College Graduation Statistics | College Enrollment Statistics | Financial Aid Statistics

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Dropout figures exclude students who died, who were totally and permanently disabled, or who left school to serve in the armed forces, foreign aid service, or church missions. Some dropout students may have transferred without notifying the reporting institution.

Nationwide College Dropout Rates

Adults who are both out of school and have some college with no credential (SCNC) account for approximately 16.1% of the national population.  

• 43,098,820 college dropouts or SCNCs live in the United States as of July 2023.
• Among them, 67.2% were under 35 years old when they were last enrolled.
• 30.7% of them are currently under 35 years old.
• For every current undergraduate, there are over two (2) SCNCs nationwide.
• 24% of college students have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal. 
• 41% of first-generation college students have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal. 

College First-year Students Dropout Rates

Most college students who drop out of school do so in the first academic year.

• Between the fall semesters of 2022 and 2023, 22.3% of all first-time, full-time freshmen dropped out of college.
• At 4-year institutions, 18.3% of first-time, full-time college freshmen dropped out between 2022 and 2023.
• 4-year, public schools have the lowest dropout rate among all first-time freshmen, with 17.9% of students dropping out between the fall semesters of 2022 and 2023.
• 4-year private for-profit schools have the highest dropout rate of 38.7% for full-time students. 

College Dropout Re-Enrollment Rates

In general, students who drop out of college and re-enroll later are less likely to drop out a second time. Full-time students are always more likely than part-time students to complete an award.

• In 2023, 1,009,237 SCNCs enrolled in postsecondary degree-granting institutions. 
• Roughly 2-3% of all SCNCs re-enroll, regardless of their original degree-granting institution.
• Of those re-enrolled students in 2023, men make up 40.4%, while women contribute to 56.6% of the re-enrolled population. 
• In 2023, SCNCs who attended primarily online institutions are more likely to re-enroll after dropping out than other types of institutions. 

College Dropout Employment Rates

While college dropouts earn lower wages than college graduates, SCNCs earn more than high school graduates.

• Workers with some college but no degree have a 3.8% unemployment rate, which is 15.2% higher than the national average.
• Workers aged 25 and over with some college but no degree make a median of $1,020 weekly, which is 16.5% less than the average worker
• Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make 7.2% less than associate’s degree holders on average.
• Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make 9.7% more than high school diploma only.
• Workers with bachelor’s degrees make a 51.3% higher income than SCNC workers.

College Dropout Rate Demographics

There is a direct correlation between lower income and an increased risk of dropout among all postsecondary students. Older students are also more likely to drop out than students who first enrolled as teenagers.

• There is a lower percentage of college students who drop out between the ages of 35 and 64 than under 35. 
• Until 24 years old, women exhibit lower rates of dropout, whereas, after the age of 25, women tend to be more prevalent in their dropout rate.
• Asian students make up 2.7% of all dropouts, which is the third lowest among ethnic demographics.
• Native American students make up 1.0% of all dropouts, which is the second lowest among ethnic demographics.
• Black students make up 14.1% of all dropouts.
• White students make up the largest group of all dropouts, at 33.4% compared to all other college dropouts.

College Dropout Rates by State

College dropout and SCNC rates vary according to region. Population density, local economy, and public education statistics all impact success rates among college students.

• College dropouts are more likely to live in California than in any other state.
• Alaska has the highest dropout-to-undergraduate ratio, with dropouts outnumbering enrolled undergraduates by more than 4-to-1.
• 3.27% of dropouts in Louisiana were last enrolled in college when they were 45 to 64 years old, which is the lowest ratio for that age group among all states. 
• North Dakota has the highest percentage of college dropouts (68.2%) last enrolled when they were under the age of 25. 

Alabama College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Alabama is slightly lower than the nationwide average.

• 461,681 of Alabama residents are SCNC. 
• New Alabama dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alabama make up 9.6% of the national completer population.
• 245,580 students enrolled in college in Alabama in 2023-2024. 
• 1.16% of all college dropouts live in Alabama. 
• 2,660 SCNCs under 25, 5,233 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,131 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 952 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Alaska College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Alaska is among the highest nationwide.

• 93,712 Alaska residents are SCNC.  
• New Alaska dropouts make up 4.6% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alaska make up 5.0% of the national completer population. 
• 21,869 students enrolled in college in Alaska in 2023-2024.  
• 0.29% of all college dropouts live in Alaska. 
• 311 SCNCs under 25, 885 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 535 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 404 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Arizona College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Arizona is lower than the national average.

• 726,264 of Arizona residents are SCNC. 
• New Arizona dropouts make up 9.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arizona make up 11.0% of the national completer population.  
• 501,563 students enrolled in college in Arizona in 2023-2024.  
• 1.88% of all college dropouts live in Arizona. 
• 7,002 SCNCs under 25, 18,132 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 8,786 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 4,343 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Arkansas College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Arkansas is slightly higher than the national average.

• 295,232 Arkansas residents are SCNC. 
• New Arkansas dropouts make up 5.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arkansas make up 7.8% of the national completer population.  
• 126,751 students enrolled in college in Arkansas in 2023-2024.  
• 0.77% of all college dropouts live in Arkansas.
• 1,383 SCNCs under 25, 2,907 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,305 SCNCs 35-44 years old. and 653 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.  

California College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in California is slightly higher than the national average.

• 5,941,080 California residents are SCNC. 
• New California dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in California make up 7.0% of the national completer population.  
• 2,562,357 students enrolled in college in California in 2023-2024.  
• 16.4% of all college dropouts live in California. 
• 30,390 SCNCs under 25, 69,909 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 36,435 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 21,540 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Colorado College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Colorado is slightly higher than the national average.

• 623,114 Colorado residents are SCNC.
• New Colorado dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Colorado make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
• 261,118 students enrolled in college in Colorado in 2023-2024. 
• 1.78% of all college dropouts live in Colorado. 
• 2,971 SCNCs under the age of 25, 7,351 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,804 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,000 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Connecticut College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Connecticut is slightly higher than the national average

• 350,307 of Connecticut residents are SCNC. 
• New Connecticut dropouts make up 4.3% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Connecticut make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
• 147,529 students enrolled in college in Connecticut in 2023-2024.  
• 0.94% of all college dropouts live in Connecticut. 
• 1,313 SCNCs under 25, 2,288 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 975 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 462 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.  

Delaware College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Delaware is lower than the national average.

• 74,167 of Delaware residents are SCNC. 
• New Delaware dropouts make up 8.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Delaware make up 10.0% of the national completer population. 
• 53,928 students enrolled in college in Delaware in 2023-2024. 
• 0.18% of all college dropouts live in Delaware. 
• 746 SCNCs under 25, 1,400 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 653 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 325 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

District of Columbia College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in D.C. is the lowest nationwide.

• 36,706 of D.C. residents are SCNC. 
• New D.C. dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in D.C. make up 10.9% of the national completer population. 
• 46,170 students enrolled in college in D.C. in 2023-2024. 
• 0.1% of all college dropouts live in D.C. 
• 167 SCNCs under 25, 405 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 213 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 138 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Florida College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Florida is lower than the national average.

• 1,606,236 Florida residents are SCNC. 
• New Florida dropouts make up 6.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Florida make up 7.1% of the national completer population. 
• 920,648 students enrolled in college in Florida in 2023-2024. 
• 4.16% of all college dropouts live in Florida. 
• 10,049 SCNCs under the age of 25, 20,669 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 8,071 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,707 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Georgia College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Georgia is much lower than the national average.

• 786,579 of Georgia residents are SCNC. 
• New Georgia dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Georgia make up 8.2% of the national completer population. 
• 486,936 students enrolled in college in Georgia in 2023-2024. 
• 1.94% of all college dropouts live in Georgia. 
• 5,786 SCNCs under 25, 10,970 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,375 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,044 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Hawaii College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Hawaii is slightly below the national average.

• 100,722 of Hawaii residents are SCNC. 
• New Hawaii dropouts make up 6.3% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Hawaii make up 8.5% of the national completer population.
• 51,523 students enrolled in college in Hawaii in 2023-2024. 
• 0.25% of all college dropouts live in Hawaii. 
• 617 SCNCs under 25, 1,028 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 505 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 210 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Idaho College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Idaho is below the national average.

• 183,048 of Idaho residents are SCNC. 
• New Idaho dropouts make up 8.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Idaho make up 7.4% of the national completer population. 
• 126,963 students enrolled in college in Idaho in 2023-2024. 
• 0.49% of all college dropouts live in Idaho. 
• 2,170 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,993 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,029 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 674 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Illinois College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Illinois is just above the national average.

• 1,648,560 of Illinois residents are SCNC. 
• New Illinois dropouts make up 4.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Illinois make up 4.7% of the national completer population. 
• 567,986 students enrolled in college in Illinois in 2023-2024. 
• 4.71% of all college dropouts live in Illinois. 
• 6,318 SCNCs under 25, 11,720 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,173 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,448 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Indiana College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Indiana is slightly above the national average.

• 716,069 Indiana residents are SCNC. 
• New Indiana dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Indiana make up 6.4% of the national completer population. 
• 310,858 students enrolled in college in Indiana in 2023-2024. 
• 1.89% of all college dropouts live in Indiana. 
• 2,899 SCNCs under 25, 7,331 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,771 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,745 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Iowa College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Iowa is on par with the national average.

• 379,982 Iowa residents are SCNC. 
• New Iowa dropouts make up 4.3% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Iowa make up 6.2% of the national completer population. 
• 169,594 students enrolled in college in Iowa in 2023-2024. 
• 0.95% of all college dropouts live in Iowa. 
• 1,305 SCNCs under 25, 2,811 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,522 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 619 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Kansas College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Kansas is on par with the national average.

• 361,334 Kansas residents are SCNC. 
• New Kansas dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kansas make up 7.3% of the national completer population. 
• 172,763 students enrolled in college in Kansas in 2023-2024. 
• 0.99% of all college dropouts live in Kansas. 
• 1,967 SCNCs under 25, 3,803 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,719 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 998 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Kentucky College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Kentucky is higher than the national average.

• 564,000 of Kentucky residents are SCNC. 
• New Kentucky dropouts make up 4.3% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kentucky make up 5.7% of the national completer population. 
• 207,049 students enrolled in college in Kentucky in 2023-2024.  
• 1.49% of all college dropouts live in Kentucky. 
• 2,371 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,321 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,872 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,638 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Louisiana College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Louisiana is on par with the national average.

• 458,711 Louisiana residents are SCNC. 
• New Louisiana dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Louisiana make up 7.5% of the national completer population. 
• 199,375 students enrolled in college in Louisiana in 2023-2024. 
• 1.19% of all college dropouts live in Louisiana. 
• 2,421 SCNCs under the age of 25, 4,532 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,342 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,091 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Maine College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Maine is much lower than the national average.

• 127,925 Maine residents are SCNC. 
• New Maine dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maine make up 7.7% of the national completer population. 
• 70,776 students enrolled in college in Maine in 2023-2024. 
• 0.35% of all college dropouts live in Maine. 
• 858 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,835 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,036 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 485 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Maryland College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Maryland is slightly below the national average.

• 602,232 of Maryland residents are SCNC. 
• New Maryland dropouts make up 6.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maryland make up 7.1% of the national completer population. 
• 330,848 students enrolled in college in Maryland in 2023-2024. 
• 1.58% of all college dropouts live in Maryland. 
• 4,997 SCNCs under the age of 25, 11,721 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,504 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,842 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Massachusetts College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Massachusetts is below the national average.

• 675,920 of Massachusetts residents are SCNC. 
• New Massachusetts dropouts make up 5.0% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Massachusetts make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
• 374,506 students enrolled in college in Massachusetts in 2022-2023. 
• 1.78% of all college dropouts live in Massachusetts. 
• 2,990 SCNCs under 25, 7,166 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,498 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,960 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Michigan College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Michigan is slightly higher than the national average.

• 1,093,393 of Michigan residents are SCNC. 
• New Michigan dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Michigan make up 6.2% of the national completer population. 
• 441,659 students enrolled in college in Michigan in 2023-2024.  
• 2.85% of all college dropouts live in Michigan. 
• 4,717 SCNCs under the age of 25, 10,991 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,232 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,646 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Minnesota College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average.

• 563,065 Minnesota residents are SCNC. 
• New Minnesota dropouts make up 4.3% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Minnesota make up 5.5% of the national completer population. 
• 249,013 students enrolled in college in Minnesota in 2023-2024. 
• 1.5% of all college dropouts live in Minnesota. 
• 2,604 SCNCs under 25, 4,532 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,946 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 947 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Mississippi College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Mississippi is on par with the national average.

• 325,451 of Mississippi residents are SCNC. 
• New Mississippi dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Mississippi make up 8.5% of the national completer population. 
• 147,263 students enrolled in college in Mississippi in 2023-2024. 
• 0.81% of all college dropouts live in Mississippi. 
• 1,695 SCNCs under 25, 3,128 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,226 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 629 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Missouri College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Missouri is above the national average.

• 672,518 Missouri residents are SCNC. 
• New Missouri dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Missouri make up 6.9% of the national completer population. 
• 252,050 students enrolled in college in Missouri in 2023-2024.  
• 1.76% of all college dropouts live in Missouri. 
• 2,639 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,853 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,830 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,351 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Montana College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Montana is greater than the national average.

• 102,764 Montana residents are SCNC. 
• New Montana dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Montana make up 7.7% of the national completer population. 
• 44,184 students enrolled in college in Montana in 2023-2024.  
• 0.28% of all college dropouts live in Montana. 
• 447 SCNCs under the age of 25, 793 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 382 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 206 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Nebraska College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Nebraska is significantly higher than the national average.

• 254,908 Nebraska residents are SCNC. 
• New Nebraska dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nebraska make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
• 205,945 students enrolled in college in Nebraska in 2023-2024. 
• 0.76% of all college dropouts live in Nebraska. 
• 1,110 SCNCs under the age of 25, 2,161 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,191 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 600 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Nevada College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Nevada is higher than the national average.

• 334,492 Nevada residents are SCNC.
• New Nevada dropouts make up 4.9% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nevada make up 5.7% of the national completer population. 
• 108,561 students enrolled in college in Nevada in 2023-2024.  
• 0.94% of all college dropouts live in Nevada. 
• 1,328 SCNCs under the age of 25, 2,954 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,451 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 702 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

New Hampshire College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in New Hampshire is higher than the national average.

• 94,135 New Hampshire residents are SCNC.
• Recent New Hampshire dropouts make up 4.9% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Hampshire make up 6.7% of the national completer population.  
• 107,501 students enrolled in college in New Hampshire in 2023-2024. 
• 0.25% of all college dropouts live in New Hampshire. 
• 385 SCNCs under the age of 25, 772 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 341 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 210 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

New Jersey College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in New Jersey is lower than the national average.

• 757,282 New Jersey residents are SCNC.
• Recent New Jersey dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Jersey make up 7.9% of the national completer population. 
• 45,558 students enrolled in college in New Jersey in 2023-2024.
• 1.95% of all college dropouts live in New Jersey. 
• 3,883 SCNCs under the age of 25, 6,339 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,227 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,363 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

New Mexico College Dropout Rates

The college dropout rate in New Mexico is higher than the national average.

• 264,616 New Mexico residents are SCNC. 
• Recent New Mexico dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Mexico make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
• 338,201 students enrolled in college in New Mexico in 2023-2024. 
• 0.74% of all college dropouts live in New Mexico.
• 1,458 SCNCs under the age of 25, 3,238 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,563 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 873 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

New York College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in New York is higher than the national average.

• 1,936,325 New York residents are SCNC. 
• Recent New York dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New York make up 8.2% of the national completer population.
• 94,108 students enrolled in college in New York in 2023-2024. 
• 4.96% of all college dropouts live in New York. 
• 10,023 SCNCs under the age of 25, 14,941 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,538 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,791 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

North Carolina College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in North Carolina is on par with the national average.

• 996,524 North Carolina residents are SCNC.
• Recent North Carolina dropouts make up 5.3% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Carolina make up 7.1% of the national completer population. 
• 861,797 students enrolled in college in North Carolina in 2023-2024. 
• 2.71% of all college dropouts live in North Carolina. 
• 5,676 SCNCs under the age of 25, 11,738 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,168 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,667 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

North Dakota College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in North Dakota is lower than the national average.

• 70,040 North Dakota residents are SCNC. 
• Recent North Dakota dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Dakota make up 9.1% of the national completer population. 
• 507,788 students enrolled in college in North Dakota in 2023-2024. 
• 0.19% of all college dropouts live in North Dakota. 
• 345 SCNCs under the age of 25, 600 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 286 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 124 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Ohio College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Ohio is significantly lower than the national average

• 1,274,006 Ohio residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Ohio dropouts make up 4.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Ohio make up 5.8% of the national completer population. 
• 47,150 students enrolled in college in Ohio in 2023-2024.  
• 3.41% of all college dropouts live in Ohio. 
• 4,697 SCNCs under the age of 25, 9,882 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,112 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,719 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Oklahoma College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Oklahoma is higher than the national average.

• 413,576 Oklahoma residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Oklahoma dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oklahoma make up 8.3% of the national completer population.
• 496,244 students enrolled in college in Oklahoma in 2023-2024.  
• 1.04% of all college dropouts live in Oklahoma. 
• 1,771 SCNCs under the age of 25, 3,913 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,988 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 973 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Oregon College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Oregon is above the national average

• 675,648 Oregon residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Oregon dropouts make up 3.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oregon make up 5.1% of the national completer population. 
• 165,775 students enrolled in college in Oregon in 2023-2024. 
• 1.91% of all college dropouts live in Oregon. 
• 2,178 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,516 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,703 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,401 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Pennsylvania College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Pennsylvania is above the national average.

• 1,047,644 Pennsylvania residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Pennsylvania dropouts make up 4.5% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Pennsylvania make up 7.3% of the national completer population.  
• 201,396 students enrolled in college in Pennsylvania in 2023-2024. 
• 2.76% of all college dropouts live in Pennsylvania. 
• 4,233 SCNCs under the age of 25, 7,876 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,383 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,827 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Rhode Island College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Rhode Island is below the national average.

• 121,304 Rhode Island residents are SCNC.
• Recent Rhode Island dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Rhode Island make up 6.0% of the national completer population. 
• 525,854 students enrolled in college in Rhode Island in 2023-2024. 
• 0.32% of all college dropouts live in Rhode Island. 
• 766 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,204 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 535 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 286 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

South Carolina College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in South Carolina is lower than the national average.

• 453,106 South Carolina residents are SCNC. 
• Recent South Carolina dropouts make up 5.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Carolina make up 8.0% of the national completer population.
• 1,049,702 students enrolled in college in South Carolina in 2022-2023. 
• 1.20% of all college dropouts live in South Carolina. 
• 2,836 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,168 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,313 SCNCs, and 1,245 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

South Dakota College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in South Dakota is well below the national average.

• 67,808 South Dakota residents are SCNC. 
• Recent South Dakota dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Dakota make up 8.7% of the national completer population. 
• 64,587 students enrolled in college in South Dakota in 2023-2024. 
• 0.17% of all college dropouts live in South Dakota. 
• 303 SCNCs under the age of 25, 587 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 286 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 196 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Tennessee College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Tennessee is on par with the national average.

• 602,412 Tennessee residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Tennessee dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Tennessee make up 7.0% of the national completer population. 
• 233,543 students enrolled in college in Tennessee in 2023-2024. 
• 1.58% of all college dropouts live in Tennessee. 
• 3,034 SCNCs under the age of 25, 6,304 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,646 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,270 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Texas College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Texas is lower than the national average.

• 2,642,574 Texas residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Texas dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Texas make up 7.8% of the national completer population. 
• 1,418,061 students enrolled in college in Texas in 2022-2023. 
• 6.57% of all college dropouts live in Texas. 
• 18,196 SCNCs under the age of 25, 33,549 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 13,386 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 6,042 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Utah College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Utah is below the national average.

• 379,401 Utah residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Utah dropouts make up 7.9% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Utah make up 7.2% of the national completer population. 
• 261,600 students enrolled in college in Utah in 2023-2024. 
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Utah. 
• 7,311 SCNCs under the age of 25, 4,651 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,669 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,038 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Vermont College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Vermont is lower than the national average.

• 63,550 Vermont residents are SCNC.
• Recent Vermont dropouts make up 5.9% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Vermont make up 7.5% of the national completer population. 
• 111,390 students enrolled in college in Vermont in 2023-2024. 
• 0.17% of all college dropouts live in Utah. 
• 310 SCNCs under the age of 25, 689 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 400 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 271 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Virginia College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Virginia is lower than the national average.

• 880,067 Virginia residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Virginia dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Virginia make up 6.9% of the national completer population. 
• 1,440,112 students enrolled in college in Virginia in 2023-2024. 
• 2.46% of all college dropouts live in Virginia. 
• 4,621 SCNCs under the age of 25, 10,598 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,683 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,373 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Washington College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Washington is well above the national average.

• 963,338 Washington residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Washington dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Washington make up 5.2% of the national completer population.
• 249,134 students enrolled in college in Washington in 2023-2024. 
• 2.84% of all college dropouts live in Washington.
• 3,399 SCNCs under the age of 25, 8,017 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,184 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,216 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.

West Virginia College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in West Virginia is higher than the national average.

• 182,956 West Virginia residents are SCNC. 
• Recent West Virginia dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in West Virginia make up 6.8% of the national completer population.
• 36,047 students enrolled in college in West Virginia in 2023-2024. 
• 0.47% of all college dropouts live in West Virginia. 
• 627 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,444 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 916 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 579 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Wisconsin College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Wisconsin is on par with the national average. 

• 629,052 Wisconsin residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Wisconsin dropouts make up 4.9% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wisconsin make up 5.6% of the national completer population. 
• 458,783 students enrolled in college in Wisconsin in 2022-2023.  
• 1.81% of all college dropouts live in Wisconsin. 
• 2,945 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,997 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,032 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,760  SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Wyoming College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCNC rate in Wyoming is higher than the national average. 

• 80,854 Wyoming residents are SCNC. 
• Recent Wyoming dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNCs. 
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wyoming make up 4.5% of the national completer population.
• 304,262 students enrolled in college in Wyoming in 2023-2024.   
• 0.24% of all college dropouts live in Wyoming. 
• 298 SCNCs under the age of 25, 588 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 326 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 199 SCNCs 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Analysis: Why Are Students Leaving College?

Students who drop out of college may do so because of finances, lack of time, lack of support, or high academic standards. 41% of college dropouts indicate they left due to financial reasons, while 37% indicate they left for family reasons or commitments. Of students who were enrolled but seriously considering leaving college, about half said it is difficult to afford college (53%) and related expenses (50%). 41% of those who dropped out said additional financial resources would have helped them stay. 

Other potential reasons students drop out include academic difficulties or lack of support. 26% of students who dropped out said that academic challenges contributed to leaving, while 22% said that mental health challenges were a factor. Students who dropped out or who were seriously considering leaving college were less likely to have family encouragement to attend college. In addition, 41% of first-generation college students have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal.

Sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections
2. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Digest of Education Statistics: Most Current Digest Tables
3. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Some College, No Credential Student Outcomes
4. Sallie Mae, How America Completes College
5. StraighterLine with the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, Disengaged Learner White Paper
6. College Atlas: U.S. College Dropout Rate and Dropout Statistics
7. U.S. Census, State Population Totals and Components of Change