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 first-year students 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.
  • 40 million Americans were college dropouts in July 2021; 864,824 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

Grouped Bar Graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Fall-Term First-Time Undergraduates from 2015 (55.1% of part-time freshmen and 24.7% of full-time freshmen dropped out by 2016), 2016 (54.6% of part-time freshmen and 24.5% of full-time freshmen dropped out by 2017), 2017 (54.7% of part-time freshmen and 24.4% of full-time freshmen dropped out by 2018), 2018 (55.0% of part-time freshmen and 23.8% of full-time freshmen dropped out by 2019) and 2019 (58.2% of part-time freshmen and 24.1% of full-time freshmen dropped out by 2020)

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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.

  • 40,432,112 college dropouts or SCNDs live in the United States as of July 2021.
  • Excluding residents of territories, multiple states, and students attending college online, 340,273,864 college dropouts live in the U.S.
  • Among them, 66% are under 35 years old. 
  • An estimated 73% of SCNDs drop out of college within 12 months of first enrolling.
  • For every current undergraduate, there are two (2) SCNDs nationwide.

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, 28.9% of all first-time, full-time first-year students dropped out of college.
  • At 4-year institutions, 24.4% of first-time, full-time college first-year students dropped out between 2022 and 2023.
  • For-profit schools have the lowest dropout rate among all first-time first-year students, with 1.63% of students dropping out between the fall semesters of 2022 and 2023.
  • Public schools have the highest dropout rate of 16%. 

Grouped Bar Graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Full-Time First-Time Undergraduates from 2015 (37.7% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 19.2% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2016), 2016 (37.6% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 19.0% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2017), 2017 (37.7% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 19.0% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2018), 2018 (37.0% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 18.7% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2019), and 2019 (39.0% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 18.4% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2020)

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  2021, 864,824 SCNDs enrolled in postsecondary degree-granting institutions.
  • Roughly 2-3% of all SCNDs re-enroll, regardless of their degree-granting institution.
  • Of those re-enrolled students, men make up 40.1%, while women contribute to 57.1% of the re-enrolled population.
  • SCNDs who attend public institutions are most likely to re-enroll shortly after dropping out.

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 of $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.

Grouped Bar Graph: 12-Month Dropout Rates Among Part-Time First-Time Undergraduates from 2015 (55.7% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 51.1% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2016), 2016 (55.0% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 51.3% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2017), 2017 (55.3% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 50.8% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2018), 2018 (55.6% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 50.9% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2019), and 2019 (59.6% of freshmen at 2-year institutions and 50.2% of freshmen at 4-year institutions dropped out by 2020)

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 dropouts between the ages of 35 and 64 than under 35. 
  • Until 24 years old, men exhibit higher rates of dropout, whereas, after the age of 25, women tend to be more prevalent in their dropout rate. 
  • Asian students have a 2.6% dropout rate, which is the third lowest among ethnic demographics.
  • American Indian/Alaska Natives have a 1.1% dropout rate, which is the second lowest among ethnic demographics.
  • Black students have a dropout rate of 14.4%.
  • White students are the most likely to drop out, at 33.4% compared to all other college dropouts.
  • Black men and women are equally likely to drop out of a degree-granting institution. 
  • White men are more likely to drop out of degree-granting institutions than white women, with dropout rates of 17.3% vs. 15.2%, respectively. 

National Map: Percentage of Population with Some College No Degree

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.
  • Alaska has the highest dropout-to-undergraduate ratio, with dropouts outnumbering enrolled undergraduates 5-to-1.
  • 9% of dropouts in Connecticut are 45 to 64 years old, which is the second lowest ratio for that age group among all states.
  • Most of Delaware’s college dropouts (27.8%) are under the age of 35. 
Dropouts Among States
State Total Dropouts in 2023 Percentage Change from 2022
Alabama 469,488 4.30%
Alaska 121,035 2.60%
Arizona 726,293 6.60%
Arkansas 314,843 3.40%
California 6,612,278 4.00%
Colorado 726,076 2.60%
Connecticut 384,799 3.10%
Delaware 68,540 7.90%
D.C. 38,618 5.60%
Florida 1,661,306 4.00%
Georgia 773,228 3.90%
Hawaii 99,625 3.50%
Idaho 190,536 4.70%
Illinois 1,942,815 2.70%
Indiana 769,286 3.20%
Iowa 386,692 3.20%
Kansas 398,413 4.30%
Kentucky 611,023 3.10%
Louisiana 478,853 3.50%
Maine 137,281 3.60%
Maryland 635,665 3.70%
Massachusetts 719,985 3.50%
Michigan 1,159,852 2.90%
Minnesota 612,294 2.90%
Mississippi 328,330 3.70%
Missouri 678,566 3.50%
Montana 113,914 3.50%
Nebraska 315,301 2.60%
Nevada 383,036 3.10%
New Hampshire 102,777 3.00%
New Jersey 792,527 3.40%
New Mexico 301,215 3.40%
New York 2,011,385 3.20%
North Carolina 1,109,025 2.70%
North Dakota 75,358 3.60%
Ohio 1,398,230 2.50%
Oklahoma 418,509 3.80%
Oregon 791,143 2.30%
Pennsylvania 1,121,313 3.10%
Rhode Island 129,361 2.80%
South Carolina 487,205 3.20%
South Dakota 69,787 4.10%
Tennessee 635,828 3.80%
Texas 2,614,007 4.50%
Utah 400,221 3.60%
Vermont 66,956 3.50%
Virginia 954,052 3.20%
Washington 1,160,584 3.20%
West Virginia 192,168 3.60%
Wisconsin 744,153 3.10%
Wyoming 97,491 3.00%
U.S. Territories 158,248 10.30%

Alabama College Dropout Rates

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

  • 469,488 of Alabama residents are SCND. 
  • New Alabama dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alabama make up 10.20% of the national completer population. 
  • 244,651 freshmen enrolled in college in Alabama in 2022. 
  • 1.2% of all college dropouts live in Alabama.
  • 2,369 SCNDs under 25, 4,862 between 25-34 years old, and 941 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Alaska College Dropout Rates

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

  • 121,035 Alaska residents are SCND.
  • New Alaska dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Alaska make up 4.10% of the national completer population. 
  • 22,595 freshmen enrolled in college in Alaska in 2022. 
  • 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Alaska. 
  • 290 SCNDs under 25, 926 between 25-34 years old, and 413 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Arizona College Dropout Rates

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

  • 726,293 of Arizona residents are SCND.
  • New Arizona dropouts make up 9.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arizona make up 11.10% of the national completer population. 
  • 485,911 freshmen enrolled in college in Arizona in 2022. 
  • 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Arizona. 
  • 5,956 SCNDs under 25, 14,967 between 25-34 years old, and 3,593 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Arkansas College Dropout Rates

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

  • 314,843 Arkansas residents are SCND.
  • New Arkansas dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Arkansas make up 8.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 129,076 freshmen enrolled to college in Arkansas in 2022. 
  • 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Arkansas. 
  • 1,325 SCNDs under 25, 2,775 between 25-34 years old, and 591 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

California College Dropout Rates

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

  • 6,612,278 California residents are SCND.
  • New California dropouts make up 6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in California make up 6.5% of the national completer population. 
  • 2,444,497 freshmen enrolled to college in California in 2022. 
  • 16.40% of all college dropouts live in California. 
  • 22,437 SCNDs under 25, 55,094 between 25-34 years old, and 16,128 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Colorado College Dropout Rates

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

  • 726,076 Colorado residents are SCND.
  • New Colorado dropouts make up 4.7% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Colorado make up 5.8% of the national completer population. 
  • 261,070 freshmen enrolled to college in Colorado in 2022. 
  • 1.80% of all college dropouts live in Colorado. 
  • 2,640 SCNDs under the age of 25, 6,303 between 25-34 years old, and 2,759 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Connecticut College Dropout Rates

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

  • 384,799 of Connecticut residents are SCND.
  • New Connecticut dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Connecticut make up 5.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 151,353 freshmen enrolled in college in Connecticut in 2022. 
  • 1.0% of all college dropouts live in Connecticut. 
  • 1,254 SCNDs under 25, 2,259 between 25-34 years old, and 469 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Delaware College Dropout Rates

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

  • 68,540 of Delaware residents are SCND.
  • New Delaware dropouts make up 10.10% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Delaware make up 11.10% of the national completer population. 
  • 51,178 freshmen enrolled in college in Delaware in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Delaware. 
  • 483 SCNDs under 25, 1,391 between 25-34 years old, and 264 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

District of Columbia College Dropout Rates

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

  • 38,618 of D.C. residents are SCND.
  • New D.C. dropouts make up 6.9% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in D.C. make up 11.60% of the national completer population. 
  • 45,523 freshmen enrolled in college in D.C. in 2022. 
  • 0.1% of all college dropouts live in D.C. 
  • 165 SCNDs under 25, 341 between 25-34 years old, and 100 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Florida College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,661,306 Florida residents are SCND.
  • New Florida dropouts make up 6.5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Florida make up 7.20% of the national completer population. 
  • 919,334 freshmen enrolled to college in Florida in 2022. 
  • 4.1% of all college dropouts live in Florida. 
  • 8,931 SCNDs under the age of 25, 18,979 between 25-34 years old, and 3,373 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Georgia College Dropout Rates

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

  • 773,228 of Georgia residents are SCND.
  • New Georgia dropouts make up 6.7% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Georgia make up 8.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 476,488 freshmen enrolled to college in Georgia in 2022. 
  • 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Georgia. 
  • 4,499 SCNDs under 25, 9,392 between 25-34 years old, and 1,682 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Hawaii College Dropout Rates

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

  • 99,625 of Hawaii residents are SCND.
  • New Hawaii dropouts make up 6.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Hawaii make up 9.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 52,783 freshmen enrolled in college in Hawaii in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Hawaii. 
  • 581 SCNDs under 25, 1,133 between 25-34 years old, and 146 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

National Map: Percentage of Dropouts Under 35 Years Old

Idaho College Dropout Rates

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

  • 190,536 of Idaho residents are SCND.
  • New Idaho dropouts make up 7.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Idaho make up 7.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 127,986 freshmen enrolled in college in Idaho in 2022. 
  • 0.5% of all college dropouts live in Idaho. 
  • 1,949 SCNDs under the age of 25, 1,777 between 25-34 years old, and 619 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Illinois College Dropout Rates

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

  • 190,536 of Illinois residents are SCND.
  • New Illinois dropouts make up 7.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Illinois make up 7.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 127,986 freshmen enrolled to college in Illinois in 2022. 
  • 0.5% of all college dropouts live in Illinois. 
  • 1,949 SCNDs under 25, 1,777 between 25-34 years old, and 619 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Indiana College Dropout Rates

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

  • 769,286 Indiana residents are SCND.
  • New Indiana dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Indiana make up 6.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 307,230 freshmen enrolled to college in Indiana in 2022. 
  • 1.9% of all college dropouts live in Indiana. 
  • 150 SCNDs under 25, 565 between 25-34 years old, and 129 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Iowa College Dropout Rates

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

  • 386,692 Iowa residents are SCND.
  • New Iowa dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Iowa make up 6.8% of the national completer population. 
  • 174,459 freshmen enrolled to college in Iowa in 2022. 
  • 1% of all college dropouts live in Iowa. 
  • 1,319 SCNDs under 25, 2,696 between 25-34 years old, and 575 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Kansas College Dropout Rates

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

  • 398,413 Kansas residents are SCND.
  • New Kansas dropouts make up 6.4% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kansas make up 7.3% of the national completer population. 
  • 175,444 freshmen enrolled to college in Kansas in 2022. 
  • 1% of all college dropouts live in Kansas. 
  • 1,790 SCNDs under 25, 3,539 between 25-34 years old, and 940 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Kentucky College Dropout Rates

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

  • 611,023 of Kentucky residents are SCND.
  • New Kentucky dropouts make up 5.1% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Kentucky make up 6.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 201,541 freshmen enrolled in college in Kentucky in 2022. 
  • 1.5% of all college dropouts live in Kentucky. 
  • 2,173 SCNDs under the age of 25, 4,984 between 25-34 years old, and 1,441 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Louisiana College Dropout Rates

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

  • 478,853 Louisiana residents are SCND.
  • New Louisiana dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Louisiana make up 7.7% of the national completer population. 
  • 207,652 freshmen enrolled in college in Louisiana in 2022. 
  • 1.2% of all college dropouts live in Louisiana. 
  • 2,062 SCNDs under the age of 25, 4,092 between 25-34 years old, and 851 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Maine College Dropout Rates

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

  • 137,281 Maine residents are SCND.
  • New Maine dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maine make up 7.7% of the national completer population. 
  • 66,955 freshmen enrolled to college in Maine in 2022. 
  • 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Maine. 
  • 576 SCNDs under the age of 25, 1,475 between 25-34 years old, and 344 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Maryland College Dropout Rates

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

  • 625,665 of Maryland residents are SCND.
  • New Maryland dropouts make up 6.9% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Maryland make up 7.3% of the national completer population. 
  • 318,040 freshmen enrolled in college in Maryland in 2022. 
  • 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Maryland. 
  • 3,962 SCNDs under the age of 25, 9,587 between 25-34 years old, and 2,226 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Massachusetts College Dropout Rates

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

  • 719,985 of Massachusetts residents are SCND.
  • New Massachusetts dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Massachusetts make up 6.1% of the national completer population. 
  • 377,707 freshmen enrolled in college in Massachusetts in 2022. 
  • 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Massachusetts. 
  • 2,594 SCNDs under 25, 5,126 between 25-34 years old, and 1,321 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Michigan College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,159,852 of Michigan residents are SCND.
  • New Michigan dropouts make up 5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Michigan make up 6.8% of the national completer population. 
  • 451,937 freshmen enrolled in college in Michigan in 2022. 
  • 2.9% of all college dropouts live in Michigan. 
  • 3,761 SCNDs under the age of 25, 11,323 between 25-34 years old, and 2,878 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Minnesota College Dropout Rates

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

  • 612,294 Minnesota residents are SCND.
  • New Minnesota dropouts make up 4.5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Minnesota make up 5.4% of the national completer population. 
  • 253,369 freshmen enrolled in college in Minnesota in 2022. 
  • 1.5% of all college dropouts live in Minnesota. 
  • 2,295 SCNDs under 25, 4,146 between 25-34 years old, and 895 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out. 

Mississippi College Dropout Rates

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

  • 328,330 of Mississippi residents are SCND.
  • New Mississippi dropouts make up 6.3% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Mississippi make up 9.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 141,538 freshmen enrolled in college in Mississippi in 2022. 
  • 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Mississippi. 
  • 1,390 SCNDs under 25, 2,729 between 25-34 years old, and 567 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

National Map: Percentage of Dropouts 35 to 64 Years Old

Missouri College Dropout Rates

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

  • 678,566 Missouri residents are SCND.
  • New Missouri dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Missouri make up 7.4% of the national completer population. 
  • 253,607 freshmen enrolled in college in Missouri in 2022. 
  • 1.7% of all college dropouts live in Missouri. 
  • 2,375 SCNDs under the age of 25, 5,312 between 25-34 years old, and 1,029 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Montana College Dropout Rates

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

  • 113,914 Montana residents are SCND.
  • New Montana dropouts make up 5.3% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Montana make up 8% of the national completer population. 
  • 44,282 freshmen enrolled in college in Montana in 2022. 
  • 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Montana. 
  • 460 SCNDs under the age of 25, 843 between 25-34 years old, and 198 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Nebraska College Dropout Rates

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

  • 315,301 Nebraska residents are SCND.
  • New Nebraska dropouts make up 4.3% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nebraska make up 5.3% of the national completer population. 
  • 109,102 freshmen enrolled in college in Nebraska in 2022. 
  • 0.8% of all college dropouts live in Nebraska. 
  • 1,033 SCNDs under the age of 25, 2,168 between 25-34 years old, and 530 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Nevada College Dropout Rates

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

  • 383,036 Nevada residents are SCND.
  • New Nevada dropouts make up 5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Nevada make up 5.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 109,016 freshmen enrolled in college in Nevada in 2022. 
  • 0.9% of all college dropouts live in Nevada. 
  • 1,308 SCNDs under the age of 25, 3,032 between 25-34 years old, and 612 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

New Hampshire College Dropout Rates

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

  • 102,777 New Hampshire residents are SCND.
  • Recent New Hampshire dropouts make up 4.9% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Hampshire make up 6.7% of the national completer population. 
  • 47,292 freshmen enrolled in college in New Hampshire in 2022. 
  • 0.3% of all college dropouts live in New Hampshire. 
  • 331 SCNDs under the age of 25, 705 between 25-34 years old, and 186 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

New Jersey College Dropout Rates

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

  • 792,527 New Jersey residents are SCND.
  • Recent New Jersey dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Jersey make up 8.1% of the national completer population. 
  • 335,604 freshmen enrolled in college in New Jersey in 2022. 
  • 2% of all college dropouts live in New Jersey. 
  • 3,188 SCNDs under the age of 25, 5,587 between 25-34 years old, and 1,269 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.
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New Mexico College Dropout Rates

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

  • 301,215 New Mexico residents are SCND.
  • Recent New Mexico dropouts make up 5.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New Mexico make up 6.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 94,292 freshmen enrolled in college in New Mexico in 2022. 
  • 0.7% of all college dropouts live in New Mexico. 
  • 1,289 SCNDs under the age of 25, 2,943 between 25-34 years old, and 749 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

New York College Dropout Rates

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

  • 2,011,385 New York residents are SCND.
  • Recent New York dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in New York make up 8.7% of the national completer population. 
  • 891,857 freshmen enrolled in college in New York in 2022. 
  • 5% of all college dropouts live in New York. 
  • 7,737 SCNDs under the age of 25, 13,395 between 25-34 years old, and 2,402 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

North Carolina College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,109,025 North Carolina residents are SCND.
  • Recent North Carolina dropouts make up 5.2% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Carolina make up 7.5% of the national completer population. 
  • 502,054 freshmen enrolled in college in North Carolina in 2022. 
  • 2.70% of all college dropouts live in North Carolina. 
  • 5,066 SCNDs under the age of 25, 11,325 between 25-34 years old, and 2,738 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

North Dakota College Dropout Rates

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

  • 75,358 North Dakota residents are SCND.
  • Recent North Dakota dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in North Dakota make up 8.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 46,328 freshmen enrolled in college in North Dakota in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in North Dakota. 
  • 307 SCNDs under the age of 25, 684 between 25-34 years old, and 132 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Ohio College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,398,230 Ohio residents are SCND.
  • Recent Ohio dropouts make up 4.5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Ohio make up 6.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 511,738 freshmen enrolled in college in Ohio in 2022. 
  • 3.5% of all college dropouts live in Ohio. 
  • 3,909 SCNDs under the age of 25, 9,126 between 25-34 years old, and 2,731 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Oklahoma College Dropout Rates

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

  • 418,509 Oklahoma residents are SCND.
  • Recent Oklahoma dropouts make up 6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oklahoma make up 9% of the national completer population. 
  • 169,077 freshmen enrolled in college in Oklahoma in 2022. 
  • 1% of all college dropouts live in Oklahoma. 
  • 1,949 SCNDs under the age of 25,  4,185 between 25-34 years old, and 875 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Oregon College Dropout Rates

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

  • 791,143 Oregon residents are SCND.
  • Recent Oregon dropouts make up 3.9% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Oregon make up 5.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 199,431 freshmen enrolled in college in Oregon in 2022. 
  • 2% of all college dropouts live in Oregon. 
  • 1,996 SCNDs under the age of 25,  5,263 between 25-34 years old, and 1,110 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

National Map: Percentage of Dropouts Aged 65 & Older

Pennsylvania College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,121,313 Pennsylvania residents are SCND.
  • Recent Pennsylvania dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Pennsylvania make up 7.4% of the national completer population. 
  • 547,266 freshmen enrolled in college in Pennsylvania in 2022. 
  • 2.8% of all college dropouts live in Pennsylvania. 
  • 3,709 SCNDs under the age of 25, 7,514 between 25-34 years old, and 1,655 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Rhode Island College Dropout Rates

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

  • 129,361 Rhode Island residents are SCND.
  • Recent Rhode Island dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Rhode Island make up 5.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 63,587 freshmen enrolled in college in Rhode Island in 2022. 
  • 0.3% of all college dropouts live in Rhode Island. 
  • 430 SCNDs under the age of 25, 962 between 25-34 years old, and 252 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

South Carolina College Dropout Rates

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

  • 487,205 South Carolina residents are SCND.
  • Recent South Carolina dropouts make up 5.4% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Carolina make up 8.1% of the national completer population. 
  • 228,219 freshmen enrolled in college in South Carolina in 2022. 
  • 1.2% of all college dropouts live in South Carolina. 
  • 2,329 SCNDs under the age of 25, 5,290 between 25-34 years old, and 2,202 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

South Dakota College Dropout Rates

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

  • 69,787 South Dakota residents are SCND.
  • Recent South Dakota dropouts make up 6.1% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in South Dakota make up 8.5% of the national completer population. 
  • 43,959 freshmen enrolled in college in South Dakota in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in South Dakota. 
  • 248 SCNDs under the age of 25, 554 between 25-34 years old, and 160 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Tennessee College Dropout Rates

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

  • 635,828 Tennessee residents are SCND.
  • Recent Tennessee dropouts make up 5.7% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Tennessee make up 7% of the national completer population. 
  • 259,955 freshmen enrolled in college in Tennessee in 2022. 
  • 1.6% of all college dropouts live in Tennessee. 
  • 2,625 SCNDs under the age of 25, 5,528 between 25-34 years old, and 1,147 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Texas College Dropout Rates

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

  • 2,614,007 Texas residents are SCND.
  • Recent Texas dropouts make up 7.3% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Texas make up 8.2% of the national completer population. 
  • 1,430,934 freshmen enrolled in college in Texas in 2022. 
  • 6.5% of all college dropouts live in Texas. 
  • 16,625 SCNDs under the age of 25, 33,009 between 25-34 years old, and 5,785 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Utah College Dropout Rates

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

  • 400,221 Utah residents are SCND.
  • Recent Utah dropouts make up 6.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Utah make up 7.3% of the national completer population. 
  • 237,253 freshmen enrolled in college in Utah in 2022. 
  • 1% of all college dropouts live in Utah. 
  • 5,739 SCNDs under the age of 25, 4,330 between 25-34 years old, and 885 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Vermont College Dropout Rates

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

  • 66,956 Vermont residents are SCND.
  • Recent Vermont dropouts make up 5.6% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Vermont make up 6.9% of the national completer population. 
  • 36,168 freshmen enrolled in college in Vermont in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Utah. 
  • 308 SCNDs under the age of 25, 683 between 25-34 years old, and 257 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Virginia College Dropout Rates

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

  • 954,052 Virginia residents are SCND.
  • Recent Virginia dropouts make up 5.3% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Virginia make up 6.6% of the national completer population. 
  • 453,826 freshmen enrolled in college in Virginia in 2022. 
  • 2.4% of all college dropouts live in Virginia. 
  • 3,943 SCNDs under the age of 25, 9,750 between 25-34 years old, and 2,987 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Washington College Dropout Rates

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

  • 1,160,584 Washington residents are SCND.
  • Recent Washington dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Washington make up 4.4% of the national completer population. 
  • 313,238 freshmen enrolled in college in Washington in 2022. 
  • 2.9% of all college dropouts live in Washington. 
  • 2,898 SCNDs under the age of 25, 7,666 between 25-34 years old, and 2,133 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

West Virginia College Dropout Rates

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

  • 192,168 West Virginia residents are SCND.
  • Recent West Virginia dropouts make up 5.5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in West Virginia make up 7.5% of the national completer population. 
  • 68,500 freshmen enrolled in college in West Virginia in 2022. 
  • 0.5% of all college dropouts live in West Virginia. 
  • 566 SCNDs under the age of 25, 1,293 between 25-34 years old, and 465 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Wisconsin College Dropout Rates

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

  • 744,153 Wisconsin residents are SCND.
  • Recent Wisconsin dropouts make up 4.8% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wisconsin make up 5.3% of the national completer population. 
  • 291,633 freshmen enrolled in college in Wisconsin in 2022. 
  • 1.8% of all college dropouts live in Wisconsin. 
  • 2,836 SCNDs under the age of 25, 5,795 between 25-34 years old, and 1,633 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

Wyoming College Dropout Rates

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

  • 97,491 Wyoming residents are SCND.
  • Recent Wyoming dropouts make up 5% of the nationwide SCNDs. 
  • College dropouts who go back and complete their degree in Wyoming make up 4.1% of the national completer population. 
  • 26,703 freshmen enrolled in college in Wyoming in 2022. 
  • 0.2% of all college dropouts live in Wyoming. 
  • 326 SCNDs under the age of 25, 616 between 25-34 years old, and 186 from 45-64-year-olds re-enroll in college after dropping out.

National Map: Percentage of College Dropouts Living in Each State

Analysis: Why Are Students Leaving College?

Attending college generally requires sacrifices. Students who drop out 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 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.

Bar Graph: Top Reasons College Dropouts Give for Leaving School (by the percentage of dropouts who cited each reason); Financial pressure (42%), Family (32%), Not the right fit (30%), Lack of time (24%), Health (15%), Employment change (11%), and Change in Program Venue (9%)

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?