College Dropout Rates

Report Highlights. College dropout rates indicate that up to 32.9% of undergraduates do not complete their degree program.

• First-time undergraduate freshmen have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.1%.
• Among first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, 25.7% ultimately drop out; among all undergraduate students, up to ^40% drop out.
• 39 million Americans were college dropouts in July 2020; 944,200 of them re-enrolled that fall.
• College dropouts make an average of 32.6% less income than bachelor’s degree holders.
• College dropouts are 19.6% 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 degree (SCND) account for up to 11.0% of the national population.

• 39,040,099 college dropouts or SCNDs live in the United States as of July 2020.
• Excluding residents of territories, multiple states, and students attending college online, 36,400,771 college dropouts live in the U.S.
• Among them, 34.2% are under 35 years old.
• An estimated 73% of SCNDs dropout of college within 12 months of first enrolling.
• For every current undergraduate there are two (2) SCNDs nationwide.

College Freshmen Dropout Rates

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

• Between the fall semesters of 2019 and 2020, 24.1% of all first-time, full-time freshmen dropped out of college.
• At 4-year institutions, 18.4% of first-time, full-time college freshmen dropped out between 2019 and 2020.
• At 2-year institutions, 39.0% of first-time, full-time freshmen dropped out.
• For-profit schools have the highest dropout rate among all first-time freshmen, with 34.2% of students dropping between the fall semesters of 2019 and 2020.
• First-time freshmen at selective public institutions are 51.9% less likely to drop out of school

College Dropout Re-Enrollment Rates

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

• In Fall 2020, 944,200 SCNDs enrolled in postsecondary degree-granting institutions.
• The number of SCNDs enrolled was equivalent to 36.3% of first-time, full-time undergraduate freshmen.
• Among students who enrolled in postsecondary degree-granting institutions in Fall 2011, 38.9% completed an award within eight (8) years.
• First-time full-time students at 4-year public institutions are 8.3% less likely to complete an award than their SCND counterparts.
• SCND students enrolled full-time at private nonprofit institutions are 26.6% more likely than the average 4-year college student to complete their degree within eight (8) years of initial enrollment.
• Completion rates at 2-year institutions are comparatively lower, though full-time SCND students at private nonprofit institutions are still 4.1% more likely to complete an award than their first-time counterparts.

College Dropout Employment Rates

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

• Workers with some college but no degree have a 5.5% unemployment rate, which is 17.0% higher than the national average.
• Workers aged 25 and over with some college but no degree make an average $899 weekly, which is 14.9% less than the average worker.
• Workers aged 25 and older with some college but no degree make 7.1% less than associate’s degree holders on average.
• SCNDs make an 11.1% higher income than the average worker with a high school diploma only.
• Compared to workers with no high school diploma, SCNDs make 43.6% more income.
• Workers with bachelor’s degrees make a 48.4% higher income than SCND 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 dropout than students who first enrolled as teenagers.

• Postsecondary students from households with incomes in the lowest quarter are 79.3% more likely to dropout than students from the highest quarter-income households.
• Most college dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years old.
• 37.1% of individuals aged 25 to 44 years have bachelor’s degrees.
• First generation bachelor’s degree-seekers have a dropout rate that is 23.5% higher than average.
• First generation students have a 92.2% higher dropout rate than students whose parents had bachelor’s degrees or a higher level of education attainment.
• Asian students have a 19.1% dropout rate, which is the lowest among ethnoracial demographics.
• American Indian/Alaska Native have a 45.1% dropout rate, which is the highest among ethnoracial demographics.
• Black students are 33.8% more likely to dropout than the average college student.
• White students are 7.9% less likely to dropout.
• Students with disabilities are 58.7% more likely to dropout than students without disabilities.
• Traditional high school graduates are half as likely to drop out of postsecondary school as students who earned their GED or equivalent.

College Dropout Rates by State

College dropout and SCND 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.
• Oregon has the highest rate of college dropouts relative to the total population at 18.2%.
• Alaska has the highest dropout-to-undergraduate ratio, with dropouts outnumbering enrolled undergraduates 5-to-1.
• 24.9% of dropouts in Connecticut are aged 65 years or older, which is the highest ratio of for that age group among all states.
• Most of Delaware’s college dropouts (53.7%) are under the age of 35.
• 39.4% of dropouts live in five (5) states: California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida.

Alabama College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Alabama is on par with the nationwide average.

• 450,300 or 9.0% of Alabama residents are SCND.
• Alabama residents are 18.4% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Alabama are also 3.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 22.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Alabama.
• There are 81.1% more college dropouts in Alabama than there are undergraduates.
• 24.8% of Alabama SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 53.1% of Alabama dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 22.1% are 65 or older.
• 1.2% of all college dropouts live in Alabama.

Alaska College Dropout Rates

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

• 117,912 or 16.1% of Alaska residents are SCND.
• Alaska residents are 46.4% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Alaska are also 36.7% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 20.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Alaska.
• There are five (5) college dropouts in Alaska for every undergraduate.
• 43.9% of Alaska SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.3% of Alaska dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 7.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Alaska.

Arizona College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Arizona is on par with the national average.

• 681,252 or 9.5% of Arizona residents are SCND.
• Arizona residents are 13.3% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Arizona are also 35.0% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 19.0% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Arizona.
• The number of college dropouts in Arizona is 38.0% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 44.1% of Arizona SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 46.1% of Arizona dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 9.8% are 65 or older.
• 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Arizona.

Arkansas College Dropout Rates

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

• 304,513 or 10.1% of Arkansas residents are SCND.
• Arkansas residents are 7.9% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Arkansas are also 11.7% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 28.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Arkansas.
• The number of college dropouts in Arkansas is 124% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 39.7% of Arkansas SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 46.3% of Arkansas dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.0% are 65 or older.
• 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Arkansas.

California College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in California is much higher than the national average.

• 6,360,375 or 16.1% of California residents are SCND.
• California residents are 46.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in California are also 33.6% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 3.0% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in California.
• The number of college dropouts in California is 135% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 30.2% of California SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 51.6% of California dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 18.2% are 65 or older.
• 17.5% of all college dropouts live in California.

Colorado College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Colorado is a well below the national average.

• 707,584 or 12.3% of Colorado residents are SCND.
• Colorado residents are 11.6% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Colorado are also 5.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 21.5% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Colorado.
• For every two (2) undergraduates in Colorado, there are five (5) SCND residents.
• 27.1% of Colorado SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 53.8% of Colorado dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 19.1% are 65 or older.
• 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Colorado.

Connecticut College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Connecticut is much lower than the national average.

• 373,312 or 10.4% of Connecticut residents are SCND.
• Connecticut residents are 5.7% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Connecticut are also 14.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 20.3% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Connecticut.
• The number of college dropouts in Connecticut is 136% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 29.3% of Connecticut SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 45.8% of Connecticut dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 24.9% are 65 or older.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Connecticut.

Delaware College Dropout Rates

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

• 63,522 or 6.4% of Delaware residents are SCND.
• Delaware residents are 41.6% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Delaware are also 7.2% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 5.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Delaware.
• The number of college dropouts in Delaware is 17.0% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 53.7% of Delaware SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 39.6% of Delaware dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 6.7% are 65 or older.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Delaware.

District of Columbia College Dropout Rates

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

• 36,575 or 5.3% of D.C. residents are SCND.
• D.C. residents are 51.7% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in D.C. are also 29.5% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 89.8% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in D.C.
• The number of college dropouts in D.C. is 20.0% lower than the number of undergraduates.
• 41.5% of D.C. SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 43.7% of D.C. dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.1% of all college dropouts live in D.C.

Florida College Dropout Rates

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

• 1,596,975 or 7.4% of Florida residents are SCND.
• Florida residents are 32.5% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Florida are also 13.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 12.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Florida.
• The number of college dropouts in Florida is 66.8% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 39.5% of Florida SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 51.3% of Florida dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 9.2% are 65 or older.
• 4.4% of all college dropouts live in Florida.

Georgia College Dropout Rates

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

• 744,495 or 7.0% of Georgia residents are SCND.
• Georgia residents are 36.7% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Georgia are also 10.3% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 5.7% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Georiga.
• For every three (3) college dropouts in Georgia, there are two (2) undergraduates.
• 44.1% of Georgia SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 45.2% of Georgia dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 10.7% are 65 or older.
• 2.0% of all college dropouts live in Georgia.

Hawaii College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Hawaii is well below the national average.

• 96,224 or 6.6% of Hawaii residents are SCND.
• Hawaii residents are 39.8% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Hawaii are also 28.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 4.0% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Hawaii.
• The number of college dropouts in Hawaii is 80.1% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 49.8% of Hawaii SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 44.9% of Hawaii dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 5.3% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Hawaii.

Idaho College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Idaho is comparable to the national average.

• 181,897 or 9.9% of Idaho residents are SCND.
• Idaho residents are 9.9% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Idaho are also 40.2% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 18.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Idaho.
• The number of college dropouts in Idaho is 37.9% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 40.0% of Idaho SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 45.4% of Idaho dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.6% are 65 or older.
• 0.5% of all college dropouts live in Idaho.

Illinois College Dropout Rates

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

• 1,892,039 or 14.8% of Illinois residents are SCND.
• Illinois residents are 34.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Illinois are also 9.7% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 14.4% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Illinois.
• College dropouts in Illinois outnumber undergraduates 3-to-1.
• 35.7% of Illinois SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 41.3% of Illinois dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 23.0% are 65 or older.
• 5.2% of all college dropouts live in Illinois.

Indiana College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Indiana is just above the national average.

• 745,358 or 11.0% of Indiana residents are SCND.
• Indiana residents are just as likely to be college dropouts as residents in any other state.
• People in Indiana are also 6.8% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 15.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Indiana.
• The number of college dropouts in Indiana is 130% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 35.1% of Indiana SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.0% of Indiana dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 15.9% are 65 or older.
• 2.0% of all college dropouts live in Indiana.

Iowa College Dropout Rates

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

• 374,653 or 11.7% of Iowa residents are SCND.
• Iowa residents are 6.9% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Iowa are also 11.0% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 2.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Iowa.
• There are twice as many college dropouts in Iowa as there are college students.
• 35.0% of Iowa SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.0% of Iowa dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 16.0% are 65 or older.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Iowa.

Kansas College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Kansas is just above the national average.

• 381,941 or 13.0% of Kansas residents are SCND.
• Kansas residents are 18.4% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Kansas are also 22.6% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 0.5% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Kansas.
• There are twice as many college dropouts in Kansas as there are undergraduates.
• 35.4% of Kansas SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 46.9% of Kansas dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 17.7% are 65 or older.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Kansas.

Kentucky College Dropout Rates

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

• 592,803 or 13.2% of Kentucky residents are SCND.
• Kentucky residents are 19.8% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Kentucky are also 9.3% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 20.3% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Kentucky.
• College dropouts in Kentucky outnumber undergraduates 3-to-1.
• 33.5% of Kentucky SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 54.5% of Kentucky dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 12.0% are 65 or older.
• 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Kentucky.

Louisiana College Dropout Rates

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

• 462,882 or 9.9% of Louisiana residents are SCND.
• Louisiana residents are 9.5% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Louisiana are also 9.9% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 24.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Louisiana.
• There are twice as many college dropouts in Louisiana as there are undergraduates.
• 36.1% of Louisiana SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.9% of Louisiana dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 15.0% are 65 or older.
• 1.3% of all college dropouts live in Louisiana.

Maine College Dropout Rates

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

• 132,459 or 9.7% of Maine residents are SCND.
• Maine residents are 11.5% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Maine are also 0.3% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 1.4% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Maine.
• The number of college dropouts in Maine is 90.6% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 34.2% of Maine SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.0% of Maine dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 16.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.4% of all college dropouts live in Maine.

Maryland College Dropout Rates

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

• 613,138 or 9.9% of Maryland residents are SCND.
• Maryland residents are 9.6% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Maryland are also 6.3% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 19.2% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Maryland.
• The number of college dropouts in Maryland is 82.6% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 37.4% of Maryland SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 52.2% of Maryland dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 10.4% are 65 or older.
• 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Maryland.

Massachusetts College Dropout Rates

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

• 695,898 or 9.9% of Massachusetts residents are SCND.
• Massachusetts residents are 9.9% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Massachusetts are also 8.7% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 42.5% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Massachusetts.
• The number of college dropouts in Massachusetts is 78.1% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 32.7% of Massachusetts SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 50.3% of Massachusetts dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 17.0% are 65 or older.
• 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Massachusetts.

Michigan College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Michigan is on par with the national average.

• 1,127,317 or 11.2% of Michigan residents are SCND.
• Michigan residents are 1.9% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Michigan are also 8.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 7.4% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Michigan.
• There are five (5) college dropouts for every two (2) undergraduates in Michigan.
• 37.6% of Michigan SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 51.7% of Michigan dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 10.7% are 65 or older.
• 3.1% of all college dropouts live in Michigan.

Minnesota College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Minnesota is lower than the national average.

• 594,996 or 10.4% of Minnesota residents are SCND.
• Minnesota residents are 5.1% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Minnesota are also 7.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 17.2% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Minnesota.
• College dropouts in Minnesota outnumber undergraduates 2-to-1.
• 30.2% of Minnesota SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 52.1% of Minnesota dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 17.7% are 65 or older.
• 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Minnesota.

Mississippi College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Mississippi is well above the national average.

• 316,491 or 10.7% of Mississippi residents are SCND.
• Mississippi residents are 2.7% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Mississippi are also 4.4% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 38.8% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Mississippi.
• There are twice as many college dropouts in Mississippi as there are undergraduates.
• 45.0% of Mississippi SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 44.4% of Mississippi dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 10.6% are 65 or older.
• 0.9% of all college dropouts live in Mississippi.

Missouri College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Missouri is on par with the national average.

• 655,908 or 10.7% of Missouri residents are SCND.
• Missouri residents are 3.0% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Missouri are also 14.4% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 4.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Missouri.
• College dropouts in Missouri outnumber undergraduates 5-to-2.
• 37.1% of Missouri SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 51.8% of Missouri dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 11.1% are 65 or older.
• 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Missouri.

Montana College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Montana is lower than the national average.

• 110,090 or 10.2% of Montana residents are SCND.
• Montana residents are 7.5% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Montana are also 18.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 2.8% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Montana.
• College dropouts in Montana outnumber undergraduates 5-to-2.
• 34.9% of Montana SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.3% of Montana dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 16.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Montana.

Nebraska College Dropout Rates

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

• 307,345 or 15.7% of Nebraska residents are SCND.
• Nebraska residents are 42.7% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Nebraska are also 13.8% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 9.5% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Nebraska.
• College dropouts in Nebraska outnumber undergraduates 8-to-3.
• 26.9% of Nebraska SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 52.2% of Nebraska dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 20.9% are 65 or older.
• 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Nebraska.

Nevada College Dropout Rates

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

• 371,384 or 12.0% of Nevada residents are SCND.
• Nevada residents are 8.9% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Nevada are also 27.9% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 31.6% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Nevada.
• College dropouts in Nevada outnumber undergraduates by more than 3-to-1.
• 28.5% of Nevada SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 55.3% of Nevada dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 16.2% are 65 or older.
• 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Nevada.

New Hampshire College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in New Hampshire is far lower than the national average.

• 99,823 or 7.2% of New Hampshire residents are SCND.
• New Hampshire residents are 34.0% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in New Hampshire are also 28.5% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 14.4% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in New Hampshire.
• College dropouts in New Hampshire outnumber undergraduates 2-to-1.
• 36.7% of New Hampshire SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.5% of New Hampshire dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in New Hampshire.

New Jersey College Dropout Rates

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

• 766,459 or 8.3% of New Jersey residents are SCND.
• New Jersey residents are 24.9% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in New Jersey are also 25.5% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 29.7% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in New Jersey.
• College dropouts in New Jersey outnumber undergraduates 2-to-1.
• 37.5% of New Jersey SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 51.1% of New Jersey dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 11.4% are 65 or older.
• 2.1% of all college dropouts live in New Jersey.

New Mexico College Dropout Rates

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

• 291,443 or 13.8% of New Mexico residents are SCND.
• New Mexico residents are 25.3% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in New Mexico are also 7.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 31.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in New Mexico.
• College dropouts in New Mexico outnumber undergraduates 3-to-1.
• 37.3% of New Mexico SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.4% of New Mexico dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.3% are 65 or older.
• 0.8% of all college dropouts live in New Mexico.

New York College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in New York is lower than the national average.

• 1,948,109 or 9.6% of New York residents are SCND.
• New York residents are 12.2% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in New York are also 8.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 23.1% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in New York.
• There are twice as many college dropouts in New York as there are undergraduates.
• 35.3% of New York SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 43.3% of New York dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 21.4% are 65 or older.
• 5.4% of all college dropouts live in New York.

North Carolina College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in North Carolina is lower than the national average.

• 1,080,138 or 10.3% of North Carolina residents are SCND.
• North Carolina residents are 5.8% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in North Carolina are also 3.9% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 3.0% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in North Carolina.
• College dropouts in North Carolina outnumber undergraduates 2-to-1.
• 33.8% of North Carolina SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 53.5% of North Carolina dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 12.7% are 65 or older.
• 3.0% of all college dropouts live in North Carolina.

North Dakota College Dropout Rates

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

• 72,725 or 9.3% of North Dakota residents are SCND.
• North Dakota residents are 15.0% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in North Dakota are also 18.2% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 1.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in North Dakota.
• College dropouts in North Dakota outnumber undergraduates 3-to-2.
• 37.9% of North Dakota SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 48.3% of North Dakota dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 13.8% are 65 or older.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in North Dakota.

Ohio College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Ohio is on par with the national average.

• 1,363,710 or 11.6% of Ohio residents are SCND.
• Ohio residents are 5.2% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Ohio are also 9.2% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 7.2% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Ohio.
• College dropouts in Ohio outnumber undergraduates 5-to-2.
• 31.9% of Ohio SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 53.6% of Ohio dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.5% are 65 or older.
• 3.7% of all college dropouts live in Ohio.

Oklahoma College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Oklahoma is on par with the national average.

• 403,289 or 10.2% of Oklahoma residents are SCND.
• Oklahoma residents are 7.3% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Oklahoma are also 14.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 26.3% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Oklahoma.
• College dropouts in Oklahoma outnumber undergraduates 7-to-3.
• 42.4% of Oklahoma SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.3% of Oklahoma dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 8.3% are 65 or older.
• 1.1% of all college dropouts live in Oklahoma.

Oregon College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Oregon is well above than the national average.

• 773,080 or 18.2% of Oregon residents are SCND.
• Oregon residents are 66.1% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Oregon are also 3.3% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 1.0% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Oregon.
• College dropouts in Oregon outnumber undergraduates 11-to-3.
• 24.5% of Oregon SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 47.6% of Oregon dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 27.9% are 65 or older.
• 2.1% of all college dropouts live in Oregon.

Pennsylvania College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Pennsylvania is well below than the national average.

• 1,087,555 or 8.4% of Pennsylvania residents are SCND.
• Pennsylvania residents are 23.8% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Pennsylvania are also 13.4% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 6.5% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Pennsylvania.
• The number of college dropouts in Pennsylvania is 88.7% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 34.9% of Pennsylvania SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 50.9% of Pennsylvania dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 14.2% are 65 or older.
• 3.0% of all college dropouts live in Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Rhode Island is on par with the national average.

• 125,883 or 11.5% of Rhode Island residents are SCND.
• Rhode Island residents are 4.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Rhode Island are also 17.3% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 9.1% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in .
• The number of college dropouts in Rhode Island is 91.2% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 32.5% of Rhode Island SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 55.5% of Rhode Island dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 12.0% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Rhode Island.

South Carolina College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in South Carolina is on par with the national average.

• 472,043 or 9.2% of South Carolina residents are SCND.
• South Carolina residents are 16.0% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in South Carolina are also 13.3% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 13.8% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in South Carolina.
• The number of college dropouts in South Carolina is twice the number of undergraduates.
• 38.0% of South Carolina SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.3% of South Carolina dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 12.7% are 65 or older.
• 1.3% of all college dropouts live in South Carolina.

South Dakota College Dropout Rates

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

• 67,022 or 7.6% of South Dakota residents are SCND.
• South Dakota residents are 31.2% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in South Dakota are also 0.6% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 8.8% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in South Dakota.
• College dropouts in South Dakota outnumber undergraduates 3-to-2.
• 37.3% of South Dakota SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.3% of South Dakota dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 13.4% are 65 or older.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in South Dakota.

Tennessee College Dropout Rates

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

• 612,326 or 8.9% of Tennessee residents are SCND.
• Tennessee residents are 19.3% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Tennessee are also 23.0% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 11.1% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Tennessee.
• College dropouts in Tennessee outnumbers undergraduates 5-to-2.
• 37.3% of Tennessee SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 52.4% of Tennessee dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 10.3% are 65 or older.
• 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Tennessee.

Texas College Dropout Rates

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

• 2,501,802 or 8.6% of Texas residents are SCND.
• Texas residents are 21.8% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Texas are also 0.9% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 10.9% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Texas.
• The number of college dropouts in Texas is 69.3% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 43.6% of Texas SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 49.7% of Texas dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 6.7% are 65 or older.
• 6.9% of all college dropouts live in Texas.

Utah College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Utah is on par with the national average.

• 386,318 or 11.8% of Utah residents are SCND.
• Utah residents are 7.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Utah are also 41.8% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 1.5% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Utah.
• The number of college dropouts in Utah is 62.8% higher than the number of undergraduates.
• 34.4% of Utah SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 53.1% of Utah dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 12.5% are 65 or older.
• 1.1% of all college dropouts live in Utah.

Vermont College Dropout Rates

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

• 64,723 or 10.1% of Vermont residents are SCND.
• Vermont residents are 8.4% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Vermont are also 16.0% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 18.1% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Vermont.
• The number of college dropouts in Vermont is 69.6% than the number of undergraduates.
• 31.2% of Vermont SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 47.9% of Vermont dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 20.9% are 65 or older.
• 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Vermont.

Virginia College Dropout Rates

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

• 924,765 or 10.7% of Virginia residents are SCND.
• Virginia residents are 2.4% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Virginia are also 5.6% more likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 17.3% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Virginia.
• The number of college dropouts in Virginia is 98.3% higher than or nearly twice the number of undergraduates.
• 30.8% of Virginia SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 52.8% of Virginia dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 16.4% are 65 or older.
• 2.5% of all college dropouts live in Virginia.

Washington College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Washington is on par with the national average.

• 1,124,642 or 14.6% of Washington residents are SCND.
• Washington residents are 32.9% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Washington are also 12.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 7.6% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Washington.
• For every 13 college dropouts in Washington, there are four (4) undergraduates.
• 22.7% of Washington SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 56.8% of Washington dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 20.5% are 65 or older.
• 3.1% of all college dropouts live in Washington.

West Virginia College Dropout Rates

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

• 185,449 or 10.3% of West Virginia residents are SCND.
• West Virginia residents are 5.9% less likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in West Virginia are also 21.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 30.0% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in West Virginia.
• There are five (5) college dropouts in West Virginia for every two (2) undergraduates.
• 36.6% of West Virginia SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 43.5% of West Virginia dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 19.9% are 65 or older.
• 0.5% of all college dropouts live in West Virginia.

Wisconsin College Dropout Rates

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

• 721,678 or 12.2% of Wisconsin residents are SCND.
• Wisconsin residents are 11.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Wisconsin are also 1.1% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 0.6% more likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Wisconsin.
• For every 12 college dropouts in Wisconsin, there are five (5) undergraduates.
• 25.8% of Wisconsin SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 54.8% of Wisconsin dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 19.4% are 65 or older.
• 2.0% of all college dropouts live in Wisconsin.

Wyoming College Dropout Rates

The college dropout or SCND rate in Wyoming is among the nation’s highest.

• 94,687 or 16.4% of Wyoming residents are SCND.
• Wyoming residents are 49.5% more likely to be college dropouts compared to the average U.S. resident.
• People in Wyoming are also 1.7% less likely to be college students.
• 25- to 44-year-olds are 19.6% less likely to have bachelor’s degrees if they live in Wyoming.
• For every 13 college dropouts in Wyoming, there are four (4) undergraduates.
• 28.2% of Wyoming SCNDs are under 35 years old.
• 50.9% of Wyoming dropouts are between the ages of 35 and 64 years; 20.9% are 65 or older.
• 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Wyoming.

College Dropouts’ Economic Impact

Dropout rates influence a college’s finances, the local economy, and education funding from institutional to federal levels.

• College dropouts with student loans are four (4) times as likely to default on their loans as indebted college graduates.
• 40% of college drop-outs have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• 39% of college drop-outs said they weren’t getting their money’s worth at college.
• 57% of students who take on student loan debt don’t go on to graduate.
• Institutions miss out on $16.5 billion in lost tuition revenue from students who drop out.

Analysis: Why Are Students Leaving College?

Attending college generally requires sacrifices. Students who dropout typically do so because they feel these sacrifices (which may include hunger and homelessness) are not worth the potential benefits of a degree.

For example, 42% of college dropouts indicate they left due to financial reasons. Financial sacrifice and the related stress are among the most common reasons former students give for dropping out. Rising tuition rates outpace currency inflation and the increasing cost of living. For most students, even part-time college is out of reach without financial aid; losing this aid or another source of income necessitates dropping out.

Academic disqualification and a lack of family support are both common reasons for dropping out that often relate to a lack of academic preparedness. As many as 25% of students who take standardized tests for college readiness are directed to remedial college courses. Remedial courses act as a bottleneck for students because these courses do not count for credits, delay graduation, and increase tuition costs. Fewer than 25% of college students taking remedial coursework go on to declare a major and graduate.

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. National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Science & Engineering State Indicators: Bachelor’s Degree Holders among Individuals 25–44 Years Old
5. The University Professional and Continuing Education Association, New Research Answers Question Every College Wants to Know: Why Do Students Leave and How Do We Get Them Back?
6. College Atlas: U.S. College Dropout Rate and Dropout Statistics
7. The Hechinger Report: More High School Grads Than Ever Are Going to College, but 1 in 5 Will Quit
8. U.S. Census, State Population Totals and Components of Change
9. One Class, What Percentage of Student Loan Borrowers Never Graduate?