College Dropout Rate [2026]: by Year + Demographics

Report Highlights. College enrollment records indicate that 38.2% of first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree seekers do not complete their degree program within eight (8) years.

14.2% of college freshmen who enrolled in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
First-time, full-time undergraduate freshmen have a 12-month dropout rate of 22.3%.
43.1 million Americans had some college but no degree as of July 2023.
In Fall 2024, 1.009 million former college students (i.e. dropouts) returned to school.

Line graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Fall Term College Freshmen from 2015-16 through 2022-23 including part-time and full-time students according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

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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.

First-Year Student Dropout Rates

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

22.9% of all students who entered college as freshmen in Fall 2024 did not return in Fall 2025.
Among those Fall 2024 college freshmen who did not return for Fall 2025, 62.0% dropped out before Spring 2025.
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.

Grouped bar graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Fall Term First-Time Undergraduates from 2017-18 to 2022-23 including part-time and full-time students according to the National Center for Education Data Statistics

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.

43.099 million college dropouts (SCNC) live in the United States as of July 2023.
2.720 million SNCN adults in the U.S. are considered potential completers, having finished four semesters within the last decade*.
Potential completers represent 6.31% of all SCNC adults in the U.S.
40.379 million SCNC Americans are not considered potential completers, representing 93.7% of all SCNC adults.

*Many postsecondary institutions will not accept old credits, and some course credits functionally expire after 10 years.

Grouped bar graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Full-Time First-Time Undergraduates from 2017-18 to 2022-23 including those from 2-year institutions and those from 4-year institutions according to the National Center for Education Statistics

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 million SCNC adults enrolled in postsecondary degree-granting institutions.
Roughly 2-3% of all SCNC adults re-enroll, regardless of their original degree-granting institution.
Among those re-enrolled students in 2023, men make up 40.4%, while women contribute to 56.6% of the re-enrolled population.

Grouped bar graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Part-Time First-Time Undergraduates from 2017-18 to 2022-23 including those from 2-year institutions and those from 4-year institutions according to the National Center for Education Statistics

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.

Horizontal bar graph: Top Fields of Study Among College Dropouts including including business (18%) and healthcare (14%) according to the University Professional and Continuing Education Association

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, the dropout rate among women increases.
Among college dropouts, 67.2% were under 35 years old when they were last enrolled.
30.7% of college dropouts are under 35 years old.
2.7% of college dropouts are Asian while 1.0% are Native American.
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.

National map: Approximated Percentage of Population with Some College No Degree according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center & U.S. Census

Online College Dropout Rates

While students who attend college primarily online drop out at higher rates, they are also more likely to re-enroll than those who dropped out of traditional institutions.

College freshmen at primarily online schools have a 12-month dropout rate of 44.8%.
The 12-month dropout rate among online freshmen declined 8.01% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
28.1% of freshmen who started at online colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
Online freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 55.4% 12-month dropout rate.
1.931 million former students who attended college primarily online at some point did not graduate.
25,430 students enrolled in online colleges in AY2023-24.

National map: College Dropouts Who Left School Before Age 25 according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

College Dropout Rates by State

Population density, local economy, and public education all impact success rates among college students.

Alaska has the highest 12-month dropout rate among college freshmen at 40.0%.
D.C. has the lowest 12-month dropout rate among college freshmen (9.10%).
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.

First-Year Undergraduate Withdrawals
State	Total 12-Month Dropouts from Fall 2024 Entry	Percentage of Fall 2024 Entrants
Alabama	8,575	19.7%
Alaska	1,100	40.0%
Arizona	15,835	25.6%
Arkansas	5,724	24.1%
California	99,446	28.4%
Colorado	6,209	27.1%
Connecticut	4,022	15.1%
Delaware	1,606	18.1%
District of Columbia	823	9.1%
Florida	27,638	20.8%
Georgia	15,493	19.9%
Hawaii	2,044	27.7%
Idaho	6,452	34.4%
Illinois	21,243	22.7%
Indiana	11,596	21.1%
Iowa	5,348	17.4%
Kansas	7,846	25.7%
Kentucky	7,807	24.0%
Louisiana	8,475	25.0%
Maine	2,609	24.0%
Maryland	10,946	24.1%
Massachusetts	10,485	16.4%
Michigan	14,797	21.5%
Minnesota	8,900	20.7%
Mississippi	5,949	19.7%
Missouri	10,052	22.4%
Montana	1,652	23.3%
Nebraska	3,608	21.2%
Nevada	4,199	29.3%
New Hampshire	1,336	15.9%
New Jersey	10,928	19.0%
New Mexico	5,628	28.6%
New York	24,055	17.9%
North Carolina	15,424	19.0%
North Dakota	1,502	17.6%
Ohio	15,995	18.8%
Oklahoma	7,242	24.7%
Oregon	7,267	23.5%
Pennsylvania	14,634	15.2%
Rhode Island	1,750	14.3%
South Carolina	8,401	19.6%
South Dakota	1,364	15.8%
Tennessee	10,758	22.4%
Texas	53,579	23.2%
Utah	11,722	33.8%
Vermont	844	16.0%
Virginia	12,478	18.8%
Washington	11,937	25.6%
West Virginia	3,063	23.9%
Wisconsin	10,101	20.5%
Wyoming	1,195	29.2%

Alabama College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Alabama have a 12-month dropout rate of 19.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Alabama’s freshmen declined 9.63% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
10.9% of freshmen who entered Alabama colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Alabama, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 50.0% 12-month dropout rate.
461,681 Alabama residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
245,580 students enrolled in Alabama colleges in AY2023-24.

Alaska College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Alaska have a 12-month dropout rate of 40.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Alaska’s freshmen declined 8.68% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
27.9% of freshmen who entered Alaska colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Alaska, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 70.4% 12-month dropout rate.
93,712 Alaska residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
21,869 students enrolled in Alaska colleges in AY2023-24.

Arizona College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Arizona have a 12-month dropout rate of 25.6%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Arizona’s freshmen declined 7.58% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
15.1% of freshmen who entered Arizona colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Arizona, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 52.9% 12-month dropout rate.
726,264 Arizona residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
501,563 students enrolled in Arizona colleges in AY2023-24.

Arkansas College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Arkansas have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Arkansas’s freshmen declined 3.98% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
14.7% of freshmen who entered Arkansas colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Arkansas, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 62.7% 12-month dropout rate.
295,232 Arkansas residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
126,751 students enrolled in Arkansas colleges in AY2023-24.

California College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in California have a 12-month dropout rate of 28.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among California’s freshmen increased 5.19% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
20.8% of freshmen who entered California colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In California, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 70.1% 12-month dropout rate.
5.941 million California residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
2.562 million students enrolled in California colleges in AY2023-24.

Colorado College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Colorado have a 12-month dropout rate of 27.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Colorado’s freshmen increased 15.3% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
20.1% of freshmen who entered Colorado colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Colorado, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 60.7% 12-month dropout rate.
623,114 Colorado residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
261,118 students enrolled in Colorado colleges in AY2023-24.

Connecticut College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Connecticut have a 12-month dropout rate of 15.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Connecticut’s freshmen declined 20.6% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.1% of freshmen who entered Connecticut colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Connecticut, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 43.2% 12-month dropout rate.
350,307 Connecticut residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
147,529 students enrolled in Connecticut colleges in AY2023-24.

Delaware College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Delaware have a 12-month dropout rate of 18.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Delaware’s freshmen declined 12.1% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.5% of freshmen who entered Delaware colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Delaware, freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 50.0% 12-month dropout rate (freshmen aged 25+ have a 49.9% 12-month dropout rate).
74,167 Delaware residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
53,928 students enrolled in Delaware colleges in AY2023-24.

District of Columbia College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in the District of Columbia have a 12-month dropout rate of 9.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among D.C.’s freshmen declined 23.5% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
5.0% of freshmen who entered D.C. colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In D.C., freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 63.3% 12-month dropout rate.
36,706 D.C. residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
46,170 students enrolled in D.C. colleges in AY2023-24.

Florida College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Florida have a 12-month dropout rate of 20.8%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Florida’s freshmen declined 12.2% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.6% of freshmen who entered Florida colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Florida, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 46.3% 12-month dropout rate.
1,606,236 Florida residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
920,648 students enrolled in Florida colleges in AY2023-24.

Georgia College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Georgia have a 12-month dropout rate of 19.9%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Georgia’s freshmen declined 8.29% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.3% of freshmen who entered Georgia colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Georgia, freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 46.0% 12-month dropout rate.
786,579 Georgia residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
486,936 students enrolled in Georgia colleges in AY2023-24.

Hawaii College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Hawaii have a 12-month dropout rate of 27.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Hawaii’s freshmen declined 13.2% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
16.8% of freshmen who entered Hawaii colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Hawaii, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 49.5% 12-month dropout rate (freshmen aged 21 to 24 have a 49.0% 12-month dropout rate).
100,722 Hawaii residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
51,523 students enrolled in Hawaii colleges in AY2023-24.

Idaho College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Idaho have a 12-month dropout rate of 34.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Idaho’s freshmen increased 9.21% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
19.7% of freshmen who entered Idaho colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Idaho, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 52.2% 12-month dropout rate.
183,048 Idaho residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
126,963 students enrolled in Idaho colleges in AY2023-24.

Illinois College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Illinois have a 12-month dropout rate of 22.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Illinois’s freshmen declined 8.84% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
14.6% of freshmen who entered Illinois colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Illinois, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 58.7% 12-month dropout rate.
1.649 million Illinois residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
567,986 students enrolled in Illinois colleges in AY2023-24.

Indiana College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Indiana have a 12-month dropout rate of 21.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Indiana’s freshmen declined 9.83% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.4% of freshmen who entered Indiana colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Indiana, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 61.1% 12-month dropout rate.
716,069 Indiana residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
310,858 students enrolled in Indiana colleges in AY2023-24.

Iowa College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Iowa have a 12-month dropout rate of 17.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Iowa’s freshmen declined 10.8% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
10.3% of freshmen who entered Iowa colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Iowa, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 51.2% 12-month dropout rate.
379,982 Iowa residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
169,594 students enrolled in Iowa colleges in AY2023-24.

Kansas College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Kansas have a 12-month dropout rate of 25.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Kansas’s freshmen declined 1.15% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
18.9% of freshmen who entered Kansas colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Kansas, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 59.9% 12-month dropout rate.
361,334 Kansas residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
172,763 students enrolled in Kansas colleges in AY2023-24.

Kentucky College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Kentucky have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Kentucky’s freshmen declined 14.0% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
16.3% of freshmen who entered Kentucky colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Kentucky, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 46.3% 12-month dropout rate.
564,000 Kentucky residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
207,049 students enrolled in Kentucky colleges in AY2023-24.

Louisiana College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Louisiana have a 12-month dropout rate of 25.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Louisiana’s freshmen declined 4.94% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
14.0% of freshmen who entered Louisiana colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Louisiana, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 62.2% 12-month dropout rate.
458,711 Louisiana residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
199,375 students enrolled in Louisiana colleges in AY2023-24.

Maine College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Maine have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Maine’s freshmen increased 8.60% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
15.4% of freshmen who entered Maine colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Maine, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 53.2% 12-month dropout rate.
127,925 Maine residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
70,776 students enrolled in Maine colleges in AY2023-24.

Maryland College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Maryland have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.1%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Maryland’s freshmen declined 7.66% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
16.7% of freshmen who entered Maryland colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Maryland, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 62.5% 12-month dropout rate.
602,232 of Maryland residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
330,848 students enrolled in Maryland colleges in AY2023-24.

Massachusetts College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Massachusetts have a 12-month dropout rate of 16.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Massachusetts’s freshmen declined 6.82% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
10.9% of freshmen who entered Massachusetts colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Massachusetts, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 48.3% 12-month dropout rate.
675,920 of Massachusetts residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
374,506 students enrolled in Massachusetts in AY2022-23.

Michigan College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Michigan have a 12-month dropout rate of 21.5%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Michigan’s freshmen declined 8.12% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.7% of freshmen who entered Michigan colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Michigan, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 62.8% 12-month dropout rate.
1.093 million of Michigan residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
441,659 students enrolled in Michigan colleges in AY2023-24.

Minnesota College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Minnesota have a 12-month dropout rate of 20.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Minnesota’s freshmen declined 6.76% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.8% of freshmen who entered Minnesota colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Minnesota, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 49.9% 12-month dropout rate.
563,065 Minnesota residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
249,013 students enrolled in Minnesota colleges in AY2023-24

Mississippi College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Mississippi have a 12-month dropout rate of 19.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Mississippi’s freshmen declined 18.3% from AY 2015-16 to AY2024-25.
13.1% of freshmen who entered Mississippi colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Mississippi, freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 51.5% 12-month dropout rate.
325,451 Mississippi residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
147,263 students enrolled in Mississippi colleges in AY2023-24.

Missouri College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Missouri have a 12-month dropout rate of 22.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Missouri’s freshmen declined 10.4% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
14.3% of freshmen who entered Missouri colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Missouri, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 58.9% 12-month dropout rate.
672,518 Missouri residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
252,050 students enrolled in Missouri colleges in AY2023-24.

Montana College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Montana have a 12-month dropout rate of 23.3%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Montana’s freshmen declined 13.4% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
13.9% of freshmen who entered Montana colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Montana, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 55.2% 12-month dropout rate.
102,764 Montana residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
44,184 students enrolled in Montana colleges in AY2023-24.

Nebraska College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Nebraska have a 12-month dropout rate of 21.2%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Nebraska’s freshmen declined 0.93% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.6% of freshmen who entered Nebraska colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Nebraska, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 60.4% 12-month dropout rate.
254,908 Nebraska residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
205,945 students enrolled in Nebraska colleges in AY2023-24.

Nevada College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Nevada have a 12-month dropout rate of 29.3%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Nevada’s freshmen increased 0.69% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
19.4% of freshmen who entered Nevada colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Nevada, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 55.0% 12-month dropout rate.
334,492 Nevada residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
108,561 students enrolled in Nevada colleges in AY2023-24.

New Hampshire College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in New Hampshire have a 12-month dropout rate of 15.9%.

The 12-month dropout rate among New Hampshire’s freshmen declined 28.7% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.7% of freshmen who entered New Hampshire colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In New Hampshire, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 57.1% 12-month dropout rate.
94,135 New Hampshire residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
107,501 students enrolled in New Hampshire colleges in AY2023-24.

New Jersey College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in New Jersey have a 12-month dropout rate of 19.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among New Jersey’s freshmen declined 11.2% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.7% of freshmen who entered New Jersey colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In New Jersey, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 52.6% 12-month dropout rate.
757,282 New Jersey residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
45,558 students enrolled in New Jersey colleges in AY2023-24.

New Mexico College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in New Mexico have a 12-month dropout rate of 28.6%.

The 12-month dropout rate among New Mexico’s freshmen declined 18.3% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
19.2% of freshmen who entered New Mexico colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In New Mexico, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 53.7% 12-month dropout rate.
264,616 New Mexico residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
338,201 students enrolled in New Mexico colleges in AY2023-24.

New York College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in New York have a 12-month dropout rate of 17.9%.

The 12-month dropout rate among New York’s freshmen declined 10.5% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
10.4% of freshmen who entered New York colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In New York, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 39.4% 12-month dropout rate.
1.936 million New York residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
94,108 students enrolled in New York colleges in AY2023-24.

North Carolina College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in North Carolina have a 12-month dropout rate of 19.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among North Carolina’s freshmen declined 17.7% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.1% of freshmen who entered North Carolina colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In North Carolina, freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 50.2% 12-month dropout rate.
996,524 North Carolina residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
861,797 students enrolled in North Carolina colleges in AY2023-24.

North Dakota College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in North Dakota have a 12-month dropout rate of 17.6%.

The 12-month dropout rate among North Dakota’s freshmen increased 2.33% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.5% of freshmen who entered North Dakota colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In North Dakota, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 45.0% 12-month dropout rate.
70,040 North Dakota residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
507,788 students enrolled in North Dakota colleges in AY2023-24.

Ohio College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Ohio have a 12-month dropout rate of 18.8%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Ohio’s freshmen declined 13.0% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.6% of freshmen who entered Ohio colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Ohio, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 49.6% 12-month dropout rate.
1.274 million Ohio residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
47,150 students enrolled in Ohio colleges in AY2023-24.

Oklahoma College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Oklahoma have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.7%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Oklahoma’s freshmen declined 14.8% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
15.7% of freshmen who entered Oklahoma colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Oklahoma, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 48.3% 12-month dropout rate (freshmen aged 21 to 24 have a 48.1% 12-month dropout rate).
413,576 Oklahoma residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
496,244 students enrolled in Oklahoma colleges in AY2023-24.

Oregon College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Oregon have a 12-month dropout rate of 23.5%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Oregon’s freshmen declined 17.3% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.9% of freshmen who entered Oregon colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Oregon, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 49.9% 12-month dropout rate.
675,648 Oregon residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
165,775 students enrolled in Oregon colleges in AY2023-24.

Pennsylvania College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Pennsylvania have a 12-month dropout rate of 15.2%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Pennsylvania’s freshmen declined 5.59% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.4% of freshmen who entered Pennsylvania colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Pennsylvania, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 49.8% 12-month dropout rate.
1.048 million Pennsylvania residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
201,396 students enrolled in Pennsylvania colleges in AY2023-24.

Rhode Island College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Rhode Island have a 12-month dropout rate of 14.3%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Rhode Island’s freshmen declined 4.03% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
8.40% of freshmen who entered Rhode Island colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Rhode Island, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 55.9% 12-month dropout rate.
121,304 Rhode Island residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
525,854 students enrolled in Rhode Island colleges in AY2023-24.

South Carolina College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in South Carolina have a 12-month dropout rate of 16.9%.

The 12-month dropout rate among South Carolina’s freshmen declined 11.1% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.9% of freshmen who entered South Carolina colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In South Carolina, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 53.9% 12-month dropout rate.
453,106 South Carolina residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
1.05 million students enrolled in South Carolina in AY2022-23.

South Dakota College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in South Dakota have a 12-month dropout rate of 15.8%.

The 12-month dropout rate among South Dakota’s freshmen declined 7.60% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
9.3% of freshmen who entered South Dakota colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In South Dakota, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 50.5% 12-month dropout rate.
67,808 South Dakota residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
64,587 students enrolled in South Dakota colleges in AY2023-24.

Tennessee College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Tennessee have a 12-month dropout rate of 22.4%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Tennessee’s freshmen declined 17.6% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.9% of freshmen who entered Tennessee colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Tennessee, freshmen aged 21 to 24 are the most likely to leave school with a 44.4% 12-month dropout rate.
602,412 Tennessee residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
233,543 students enrolled in Tennessee colleges in AY2023-24.

Texas College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Texas have a 12-month dropout rate of 23.2%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Texas’s freshmen declined 7.94% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.3% of freshmen who entered Texas colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Texas, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 45.4% 12-month dropout rate.
2.643 million Texas residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
1.418 million students enrolled in Texas in AY2022-23.

Utah College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Utah have a 12-month dropout rate of 33.8%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Utah’s freshmen declined 8.89% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
18.7% of freshmen who entered Utah colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Utah, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 62.2% 12-month dropout rate.
379,401 Utah residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
261,600 students enrolled in Utah colleges in AY2023-24.

Vermont College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Vermont have a 12-month dropout rate of 16.0%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Vermont’s freshmen declined 6.89% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
10.3% of freshmen who entered Vermont colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Vermont, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 57.4% 12-month dropout rate.
63,550 Vermont residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
111,390 students enrolled in Vermont colleges in AY2023-24.

Virginia College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Virginia have a 12-month dropout rate of 18.8%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Virginia’s freshmen declined 12.1% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
11.8% of freshmen who entered Virginia colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Virginia, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 53.4% 12-month dropout rate.
880,067 Virginia residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
1.440 million students enrolled in Virginia colleges in AY2023-24.

Washington College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Washington have a 12-month dropout rate of 25.6%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Washington’s freshmen declined 3.76% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
12.9% of freshmen who entered Washington colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Washington, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 53.1% 12-month dropout rate.
963,338 Washington residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
249,134 students enrolled in Washington colleges in AY2023-24.

West Virginia College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in West Virginia have a 12-month dropout rate of 23.9%.

The 12-month dropout rate among West Virginia’s freshmen declined 5.91% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
14.6% of freshmen who entered West Virginia colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In West Virginia, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 64.0% 12-month dropout rate.
182,956 West Virginia residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
36,047 students enrolled in West Virginia colleges in AY2023-24.

Wisconsin College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Wisconsin have a 12-month dropout rate of 20.5%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Wisconsin’s freshmen declined 7.66% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
13.6% of freshmen who entered Wisconsin colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Wisconsin, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 61.6% 12-month dropout rate.
629,052 Wisconsin residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
458,783 students enrolled in Wisconsin in AY2022-23.

Wyoming College Dropout Rates

College freshmen in Wyoming have a 12-month dropout rate of 29.2%.

The 12-month dropout rate among Wyoming’s freshmen declined 7.89% from AY2015-16 to AY2024-25.
17.3% of freshmen who entered Wyoming colleges in Fall 2024 did not return for the spring semester.
In Wyoming, freshmen aged 25 and older are the most likely to leave school with a 52.7% 12-month dropout rate.
80,854 Wyoming residents attended college at some point but did not graduate.
304,262 students enrolled in Wyoming colleges in AY2023-24.

Analysis: Why Are Students Leaving College?

Students drop out of college due to any number of reasons, such as limited finances, time constraints, lack of support, high academic standards, etc. The issues that lead to dropping out impact most students. Roughly one-in-three (32%) college students have seriously considered withdrawing from their program within the past six (6) months. Among them, 49% say emotional distress was the primary reason they thought about leaving school.

While every student’s situation is unique, statistics also suggest that improved support networks could lead to greater persistence rates and academic performance.