About a third of U.S. college students say they have considered leaving their degree or certification program in the past six months, according to new data from the Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2025 State of Higher Education Study.
The study, conducted in October 2024, surveyed 13,933 adults aged 18 to 59 who are currently enrolled, previously enrolled, or prospective students. It found that 32% of current students have thought about withdrawing — a decline from the 41% recorded in 2022, but still a significant portion.
Certification and associate degree students most at risk
Students pursuing industry certifications or associate degrees were the most likely to consider dropping out. Nearly four in 10 students in these programs reported thoughts of leaving. Bachelor’s degree seekers also showed a notable drop, with a seven-point decline from 2023.
Black, Hispanic, and caregiving students face greater challenges
The likelihood of considering withdrawal is highest among Hispanic (42%) and Black (35%) students, compared to 28% of White and 27% of Asian students.
Caregivers, particularly those balancing care for both a child and an adult family member, also showed high rates of withdrawal consideration. Fifty-nine percent of students caring for both groups said they had thought about quitting their program.
Emotional stress and mental health outpace cost concerns
Emotional stress (49%) and mental health issues (41%) remain the top reasons students cite for considering withdrawal. Cost of attendance, although still significant, has declined as a cited reason, now tied with campus belonging concerns at 24%.
Why it matters
The fact that nearly one in three students still contemplate leaving highlights the persistent nonacademic barriers facing higher education. While financial concerns remain, the dominance of emotional and mental health challenges suggests that student well-being is critical to improving retention.
Experts urge colleges to invest more heavily in mental health resources, flexible learning options, and tailored support for diverse student populations to keep students on track toward completion.
For full survey details, visit the Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2025 State of Higher Education Study.
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