College is one of the most important stages of a student’s academic journey. Apart from gaining knowledge, students also enroll in college to get good-paying jobs in the future.
However, the recent trends suggest that college is not for everyone. Nearly a third of students who enroll in college end up dropping out before graduating.
Academic, financial, and social struggles are among the main reason for the high number of college dropouts.
Why You Should not Drop Out of College?
Even though you can still return to college through reentry programs, the idea of dropping out should not be a consideration.
It may be difficult to start focusing on college especially if you had other commitments after dropping out. Before you make this irrational decision, try and analyze the reason why you want to drop out. The following are reasons why you should not drop out of college:
1. Society has High Regard for College Graduates
Getting a good education is important in society. High school graduation is not enough. Today’s society has a lot of respect for college and university degree holders.
When a student becomes an adult and steps out to start job hunting, the social settings will always play a big role. If you are a college graduate, your likelihood of living and surviving in society will be high.
2. Job Market
As usual, the job market is very competitive. Even the graduates still find it hard to secure a good job after completing a college education.
The situation is likely to be tougher for you if you are a college dropout. Even though the job hunt for graduates is difficult, it can be four times harder for non-graduates.
3. College Student Loans
College student loans usually have very high-interest rates. A student loan of $2000 can end up attracting a higher interest forcing you to pay $6000 if you take a longer time.
Therefore, if you have a student loan, dropping out of college means you have to pay your loan for something you did not accomplish.
4. Graduates Make More Money
There is no doubt that if you are a graduate, you can earn a better salary. A college graduate is likely to get better-paying jobs because of the academic qualifications.
Dropping out of college can have detrimental repercussions on your career prospects.
On average, adults who have a college degree can earn four times better than those who did not graduate. In essence, the main purpose of enrolling in college is to get a degree and secure a higher-paying job.
Circumstances That can Lead you to Drop from University
1. High Cost of College Fees
This is perhaps the biggest reason why there are a high number of college dropouts.
Even though most students take loans, the money is never enough to cater to all college needs.
The cost of college supplies, rent, and other miscellaneous needs always become unaffordable for students.
This means they are unable to pay for college tuition and the only option available is to drop out.
2. Early Desire to get a Full-Time Job
The desire to get a full-time job before graduation can lead to a college dropout. Similarly, this goes along with the rising cost of education in today’s colleges.
Students look for full-time jobs to pay bills and they end up lacking time to attend classes. If you need to graduate from college, take the journey as a long-term commitment that needs your full-time dedication.
3. Stress
Going to college and attending all classes can be stressful. The situation is even worse for fresh high school graduates who find it difficult to adjust to the new college life.
The new amount of coursework and inability to cope with new ways of studying can make young students drop out.
4. Bad Major Selection
If you join a college while still undecided about your major, it might be difficult to select the right one. You need to consult your professors, parents, and other advisors about the selection of an appropriate major.
Choosing one that you have no passion for can make your college life difficult hence higher chances of dropping out.
5. Lack of Adequate Preparation
Unpreparedness for the college workload can lead to dropouts. Students who come from high school always have the challenge of adjusting to college life.
The new environment has a heavy workload, more class time, and a lot of research involved. Inability to manage your time well can make it difficult to handle this work.
6. Having too much Fun
The new college life has a lot of freedom and independence. There is no close monitoring from parents and professors do not pay much attention to class attendance.
Therefore it is easy for students to engage in parties and other fun activities thereby forgetting classwork. This can eventually lead to dropping out of college before graduating.
Alternatives Available Instead of Dropping Out
If you have been overwhelmed by the college workload, dropping out should not be your number one option.
Instead of completely withdrawing from college, there are plausible options that can help you remain on track and still graduate.
You can reach out for help from your instructors and professors. With their vast experience in handling similar situations, they can recommend good supplementary resources such as tutorial centers.
In this way, you can get help and know-how to tackle your workload.
On the other hand, students struggling with fees can contact financial aid advisors.
They can give good recommendations about scholarships, grants, and other available means of financial aid.
Far from that, if you are struggling to settle into the new college environment, undergraduate students can seek the help of mental health counselors.
It is the best way to learn how to handle college pressure and settle in quickly.
If you find yourself overwhelmed academically, consider dropping some classes instead of withdrawing from college.
Alternatively, you can change to part-time status if you are unable to cope with full-time. If you have selected majors that you cannot handle, consider changing at an early stage and start on a more manageable course.
Needless to say, a leave of absence can help students who have other long-term commitments.
Instead of formally withdrawing from college because of unforeseeable circumstances, the leave can help you to suspend your studies temporarily.
Whether you need to work, or have medical or family issues, your college can offer you a leave of absence.
Joseph is a freelance journalist and a part-time writer with a particular interest in the gig economy. He writes about schooling, college life, and changing trends in education. When not writing, Joseph is hiking or playing chess.