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 23.3%.
• 41.9 million Americans were college dropouts as of July 2022; 943,169 of them re-enrolled that fall.
• College dropouts make an average of 35% less income than bachelor’s degree holders.
• College dropouts are 20% 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 12.6% of the national population.

• 41,881,486 college dropouts or SCNCs live in the United States as of July 2022.
• Among them, 67% were under 35 years old when they were last enrolled.
• 32% of them are currently under 35 years old.
• For every current undergraduate, there are 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 2021 and 2022, 23.3% of all first-time, full-time freshmen dropped out of college.
• At 4-year institutions, 19.0% of first-time, full-time college freshmen dropped out between 2021 and 2022.
• 4-year, private nonprofit schools have the lowest dropout rate among all first-time freshmen, with 18.6% of students dropping out between the fall semesters of 2021 and 2022.
• 4-year private for-profit schools have the highest dropout rate of 38% 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  2022, 943,169 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, men make up 40.4%, while women contribute to 56.6% of the re-enrolled population.
• 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 3.3% unemployment rate, which is 10.0% higher than the national average.
• Workers aged 25 and over with some college but no degree make an average of $992 weekly, which is 17.9% less than the average worker.
• Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make 6.7% less than associate’s degree holders on average.
• Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make % more than high school diploma only.
• Workers with bachelor’s degrees make a 50.5% 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 higher rates of dropout, whereas, after the age of 25, men tend to be more prevalent in their dropout rate. 
• Asian students make up 2.6% 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 32.9% 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 almost 6-to-1.
• 8% of dropouts in Texas 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.
• Mississippi has the highest percentage of college dropouts (61.3%) 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.

• 451,430 of Alabama residents are SCNC.
• New Alabama dropouts make up 6.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alabama make up 10.30% of the national completer population.
• 240,140 students enrolled in college in Alabama in 2022-2023.
• 1.2% of all college dropouts live in Alabama.
• 2,529 SCNCs under 25, 4,815 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,977 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 929 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.

• 93,531 Alaska residents are SCNC.
• New Alaska dropouts make up 4.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alaska make up 5.2% of the national completer population.
• 21,907 students enrolled in college in Alaska in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Alaska.
• 340 SCNCs under 25, 844 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 544 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 344 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.

• 693,009 of Arizona residents are SCNC.
• New Arizona dropouts make up 9.7% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arizona make up 11.6% of the national completer population.
• 485,639 students enrolled in college in Arizona in 2022-2023.
• 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Arizona.
• 6,865 SCNCs under 25, 16,466 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 7,683 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,992 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 on par with the national average.

• 290,863 Arkansas residents are SCNC.
• New Arkansas dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arkansas make up 8.5% of the national completer population.
• 126,166 students enrolled in college in Arkansas in 2022-2023.
• 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Arkansas.
• 1,462 SCNCs under 25, 2,736 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,170 SCNCs 35-44 years old. and 666 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.

• 5,830,613 California residents are SCNC.
• New California dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in California make up 7.4% of the national completer population.
• 2,444,324 students enrolled in college in California in 2022-2023.
• 15.8% of all college dropouts live in California.
• 29,841 SCNCs under 25, 63,736 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 31,725 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 19,875 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.

• 613,820 Colorado residents are SCNC.
• New Colorado dropouts make up 5.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Colorado make up 6.5% of the national completer population.
• 258,293 students enrolled in college in Colorado in 2022-2023.
• 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Colorado.
• 2,953 SCNCs under the age of 25, 6,356 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,008 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,767 45-64 years old re-enroll in college after dropping out.  

Connecticut College Dropout Rates

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

• 346,613 of Connecticut residents are SCNC.
• New Connecticut dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Connecticut make up 6.4% of the national completer population.
• 149,674 students enrolled in college in Connecticut in 2022-2023.
• 0.9% of all college dropouts live in Connecticut.
• 1,542 SCNCs under 25, 2,447 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,032 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 605 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.

• 70,064 of Delaware residents are SCNC.
• New Delaware dropouts make up 10.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Delaware make up 11.0% of the national completer population.
• 46,472 students enrolled in college in Delaware in 2022-2023.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Delaware.
• 608 SCNCs under 25, 1,390 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 638 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 286 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.

• 35,515 of D.C. residents are SCNC.
• New D.C. dropouts make up 6.3% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in D.C. make up 11.9% of the national completer population.
• 51,233 students enrolled in college in D.C. in 2022-2023.
• 0.1% of all college dropouts live in D.C.
• 207 SCNCs under 25, 402 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 164 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 144 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.

• 1,561,133 Florida residents are SCNC.
• New Florida dropouts make up 6.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Florida make up 7.5% of the national completer population.
• 901,668 students enrolled in college in Florida in 2022-2023.
• 4.2% of all college dropouts live in Florida.
• 9,202 SCNCs under the age of 25, 19,184 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 7,083 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,274 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.

• 761,897 of Georgia residents are SCNC.
• New Georgia dropouts make up 6.9% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Georgia make up 8.8% of the national completer population.
• 471,883 students enrolled in college in Georgia in 2022-2023.
• 2.1% of all college dropouts live in Georgia.
• 5,211 SCNCs under 25, 9,399 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,757 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,870 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.

• 97,343 of Hawaii residents are SCNC.
• New Hawaii dropouts make up 6.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Hawaii make up 9.6% of the national completer population.
• 51,179 students enrolled in college in Hawaii in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Hawaii.
• 582 SCNCs under 25, 995 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 408 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 179 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.

• 174,130 of Idaho residents are SCNC.
• New Idaho dropouts make up 8.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Idaho make up 8.2% of the national completer population.
• 126,528 students enrolled in college in Idaho in 2022-2023.
• 0.5% of all college dropouts live in Idaho.
• 1,960 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,851 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,134 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 720 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.

• 1,631,475 of Illinois residents are SCNC.
• New Illinois dropouts make up 4.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Illinois make up 5.0% of the national completer population.
• 559,019 students enrolled in college in Illinois in 2022-2023.
• 4.4% of all college dropouts live in Illinois.
• 6,132 SCNCs under 25, 11,007 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,075 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,734 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.

• 705,359 Indiana residents are SCNC.
• New Indiana dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Indiana make up 6.9% of the national completer population.
• 304,775 students enrolled in college in Indiana in 2022-2023.
• 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Indiana.
• 2,790 SCNCs under 25, 6,501 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,101 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,602 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.

• 373,300 Iowa residents are SCNC.
• New Iowa dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Iowa make up 6.7% of the national completer population.
• 169,996 students enrolled in college in Iowa in 2022-2023.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Iowa.
• 1,364 SCNCs under 25, 2,790 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,391 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 566 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.

• 353,750 Kansas residents are SCNC.
• New Kansas dropouts make up 6.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kansas make up 7.9% of the national completer population.
• 169,629 students enrolled in college in Kansas in 2022-2023.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Kansas.
• 1,948 SCNCs under 25, 3,705 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,706 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 999 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.

• 557,076 of Kentucky residents are SCNC.
• New Kentucky dropouts make up 5.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kentucky make up 6.3% of the national completer population.
• 202,391 students enrolled in college in Kentucky in 2022-2023.
• 1.5% of all college dropouts live in Kentucky.
• 2,431 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,082 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,722 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,743 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.

• 447,901 Louisiana residents are SCNC.
• New Louisiana dropouts make up 6.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Louisiana make up 8.1% of the national completer population.
• 205,565 students enrolled in college in Louisiana in 2022-2023.
• 1.2% of all college dropouts live in Louisiana.
• 2,452 SCNCs under the age of 25, 4,572 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,322 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,066 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.

• 124,006 Maine residents are SCNC.
• New Maine dropouts make up 6.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maine make up 8.3% of the national completer population.
• 70,127 students enrolled in college in Maine in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Maine.
• 804 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,725 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 828 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 414 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.

• 588,693 of Maryland residents are SCNC.
• New Maryland dropouts make up 7.5% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maryland make up 7.7% of the national completer population.
• 311,043 students enrolled in college in Maryland in 2022-2023.
• 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Maryland.
• 4,754 SCNCs under the age of 25, 10,817 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,774 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,464 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.

• 660,613 of Massachusetts residents are SCNC.
• New Massachusetts dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Massachusetts make up 6.5% of the national completer population.
• 367,139 students enrolled in college in Massachusetts in 2022-2023.
• 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Massachusetts.
• 2,875 SCNCs under 25, 5,020 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,343 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,311 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.

• 1,067,715 of Michigan residents are SCNC.
• New Michigan dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Michigan make up 6.9% of the national completer population.
• 436,067 students enrolled in college in Michigan in 2022-2023.
• 2.9% of all college dropouts live in Michigan.
• 4,104 SCNCs under the age of 25, 9,644 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,269 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,390 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 on par with the national average.

• 552,284 Minnesota residents are SCNC.
• New Minnesota dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Minnesota make up 5.8% of the national completer population.
• 246,660 students enrolled in college in Minnesota in 2022-2023.
• 1.5% of all college dropouts live in Minnesota.
• 2,463 SCNCs under 25, 3,977 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,842 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 862 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.

• 319,357 of Mississippi residents are SCNC.
• New Mississippi dropouts make up 6.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Mississippi make up 9.3% of the national completer population.
• 141,608 students enrolled in college in Mississippi in 2022-2023.
• 0.9% of all college dropouts live in Mississippi.
• 1,698 SCNCs under 25, 2,708 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,181 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 556 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.

• 624,087 Missouri residents are SCNC.
• New Missouri dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Missouri make up 7.6% of the national completer population.
• 253,388 students enrolled in college in Missouri in 2022-2023.
• 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Missouri.
• 2,683 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,771 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,685 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,312 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 on par with the national average.

• 100,670 Montana residents are SCNC.
• New Montana dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Montana make up 8.4% of the national completer population.
• 44,019 students enrolled in college in Montana in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Montana.
• 464 SCNCs under the age of 25, 748 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 374 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 216 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 slightly higher than the national average.

• 252,612 Nebraska residents are SCNC.
• New Nebraska dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nebraska make up 6.4% of the national completer population.
• 107,193 students enrolled in college in Nebraska in 2022-2023.
• 0.7% of all college dropouts live in Nebraska.
• 1,002 SCNCs under the age of 25, 2,009 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 965 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 537 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.

• 329,042 Nevada residents are SCNC.
• New Nevada dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nevada make up 6.0% of the national completer population.
• 105,133 students enrolled in college in Nevada in 2022-2023.
• 0.9% of all college dropouts live in Nevada.
• 1,380 SCNCs under the age of 25, 2,897 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,257 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 690 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 lower than the national average.

• 92,467 New Hampshire residents are SCNC.
• Recent New Hampshire dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Hampshire make up 7.3% of the national completer population.
• 45,728 students enrolled in college in New Hampshire in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in New Hampshire.
• 355 SCNCs under the age of 25, 680 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 315 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 on par with the national average.

• 7943,019 New Jersey residents are SCNC.
• Recent New Jersey dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Jersey make up 8.5% of the national completer population.
• 334,724 students enrolled in college in New Jersey in 2022-2023.
• 2.0% of all college dropouts live in New Jersey.
• 3,858 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,840 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,227 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,227 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 much higher than the national average.

• 262,086 New Mexico residents are SCNC.
• Recent New Mexico dropouts make up 6.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Mexico make up 7.0% of the national completer population.
• 94,252 students enrolled in college in New Mexico in 2022-2023.
• 0.7% of all college dropouts live in New Mexico.
• 1,646 SCNCs under the age of 25, 3,394 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,641 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 929 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 on par with the national average.

• 1,893,457 New York residents are SCNC.
• Recent New York dropouts make up 5.3% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New York make up 9.0% of the national completer population.
• 858,287 students enrolled in college in New York in 2022-2023.
• 5.1% of all college dropouts live in New York.
• 9,210 SCNCs under the age of 25, 12,786 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,790 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,562 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.

• 981,707 North Carolina residents are SCNC.
• Recent North Carolina dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Carolina make up 7.8% of the national completer population.
• 496,356 students enrolled in college in North Carolina in 2022-2023.
• 2.7% of all college dropouts live in North Carolina.
• 5,438 SCNCs under the age of 25, 10,892 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,697 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,525 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.

• 68,330 North Dakota residents are SCNC.
• Recent North Dakota dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Dakota make up 9.6% of the national completer population.
• 46,546 students enrolled in college in North Dakota in 2022-2023.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in North Dakota.
• 351 SCNCs under the age of 25, 638 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 303 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 161 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 higher than the national average.

• 1,256,009 Ohio residents are SCNC.
• Recent Ohio dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Ohio make up 6.3% of the national completer population.
• 495,371 students enrolled in college in Ohio in 2022-2023.
• 3.4% of all college dropouts live in Ohio.
• 4,480 SCNCs under the age of 25, 9,111 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 4,712 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 2,616 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 slightly higher than the national average.

• 404,142 Oklahoma residents are SCNC.
• Recent Oklahoma dropouts make up 6.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oklahoma make up 8.9% of the national completer population.
• 170,917 students enrolled in college in Oklahoma in 2022-2023.
• 1.1% of all college dropouts live in Oklahoma.
• 2,269 SCNCs under the age of 25,  4,566 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,206 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 991 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 well above the national average.

• 670,435 Oregon residents are SCNC.
• Recent Oregon dropouts make up 4.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oregon make up 5.6% of the national completer population.
• 197,716 students enrolled in college in Oregon in 2022-2023.
• 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Oregon.
• 2,216 SCNCs under the age of 25,  5,152 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,610 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,344 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 below the national average.

• 1,023,642 Pennsylvania residents are SCNC.
• Recent Pennsylvania dropouts make up 5.0% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Pennsylvania make up 7.7% of the national completer population.
• 529,154 students enrolled in college in Pennsylvania in 2022-2023.
• 2.8% of all college dropouts live in Pennsylvania.
• 4,111 SCNCs under the age of 25, 7,226 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,988 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,609 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.

• 119,434 Rhode Island residents are SCNC.
• Recent Rhode Island dropouts make up 6.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Rhode Island make up 6.4% of the national completer population.
• 63,208 students enrolled in college in Rhode Island in 2022-2023.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Rhode Island.
• 676 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,057 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 421 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 245 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.

• 445,209 South Carolina residents are SCNC.
• Recent South Carolina dropouts make up 6.2% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Carolina make up 8.6% of the national completer population.
• 231,339 students enrolled in college in South Carolina in 2022-2023.
• 1.2% of all college dropouts live in South Carolina.
• 2,879 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,236 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,385 SCNCs, and 1,240 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.

• 65,859 South Dakota residents are SCNC.
• Recent South Dakota dropouts make up 6.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Dakota make up 9.0% of the national completer population.
• 43,929 students enrolled in college in South Dakota in 2022-2023.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in South Dakota.
• 311 SCNCs under the age of 25, 536 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 276 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 176 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.

• 588,653 Tennessee residents are SCNC.
• Recent Tennessee dropouts make up 6.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Tennessee make up 7.4% of the national completer population.
• 257,669 students enrolled in college in Tennessee in 2022-2023.
• 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Tennessee.
• 2,809 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,859 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,431 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,185 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.

• 2,556,544 Texas residents are SCNC.
• Recent Texas dropouts make up 7.3% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Texas make up 8.3% of the national completer population.
• 1,418,061 students enrolled in college in Texas in 2022-2023.
• 6.9% of all college dropouts live in Texas.
• 17,381 SCNCs under the age of 25, 30,892 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 12,435 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 5,745 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.

• 365,507 Utah residents are SCNC.
• Recent Utah dropouts make up 7.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Utah make up 7.7% of the national completer population.
• 234,451 students enrolled in college in Utah in 2022-2023.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Utah.
• 5,699 SCNCs under the age of 25, 3,795 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 1,669 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 887 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.

• 59,250 Vermont residents are SCNC.
• Recent Vermont dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Vermont make up 7.4% of the national completer population.
• 35,512 students enrolled in college in Vermont in 2022-2023.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Utah.
• 302 SCNCs under the age of 25, 715 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 393 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 267 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.

• 818,891 Virginia residents are SCNC.
• Recent Virginia dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Virginia make up 7.4% of the national completer population.
• 451,976 students enrolled in college in Virginia in 2022-2023.
• 2.2% of all college dropouts live in Virginia.
• 4,221 SCNCs under the age of 25, 9,860 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 5,372 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 3,207 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.

• 961,263 Washington residents are SCNC.
• Recent Washington dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Washington make up 5.3% of the national completer population.
• 295,114 students enrolled in college in Washington in 2022-2023.
• 2.6% of all college dropouts live in Washington.
• 3,211 SCNCs under the age of 25, 7,466 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 3,893 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,999 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.

• 179,965 West Virginia residents are SCNC.
• Recent West Virginia dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in West Virginia make up 7.5% of the national completer population.
• 67,698 students enrolled in college in West Virginia in 2022-2023.
• 0.5% of all college dropouts live in West Virginia.
• 669 SCNCs under the age of 25, 1,335 SCNCs 25-34 years old,822 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 532 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. 

• 622,790 Wisconsin residents are SCNC.
• Recent Wisconsin dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wisconsin make up 6.0% of the national completer population.  
• 286,890 students enrolled in college in Wisconsin in 2022-2023.  
• 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Wisconsin.  
• 2,958 SCNCs under the age of 25, 5,590 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 2,882 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 1,846 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. 

• 77,620 Wyoming residents are SCNC.
• Recent Wyoming dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNCs.  
• College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wyoming make up 4.9% of the national completer population.  
• 25,606 students enrolled in college in Wyoming in 2022-2023.  
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Wyoming.  
• 319 SCNCs under the age of 25, 594 SCNCs 25-34 years old, 331 SCNCs 35-44 years old, and 169 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. 42% of college dropouts indicate they left due to financial reasons, while 32% 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