Is it possible that some people just are not cut out for college? The studies on current trends in admissions and graduation rates seem to suggest so. While this idea may seem preposterous to some, it can not be denied that the life station and circumstances of some make attending college, let alone finishing, difficult. “College admissions are actually at an all-time high. But at the same time, degree completion rates are dropping. It's an academic fact of life that more than half of the students who begin college will not see it through to earn a degree.” (McCleaster) In looking closer at the many students who do not persist through graduation, one can see many reasons why. First it may be noted that the reasons are more sociologic than academic. Many students simply transfer to another college and become statistical "drop-outs". Some students earn a "certificate" in a particular course of study. Still others intentionally take only a small group of classes in order to secure a specific job or master a specific skill.These are only a few of the many reasons that students drop out of school. Others include priorities, depression, and finances. In any case, the truth can not be denied. A large number of students are choosing not to finish their academic courses.
Priorities can play a large role in whether or not a student sticks with their course of learning. While there is an increasing number of non-traditional students entering colleges and universities it is often more difficult for these students to perform at their optimal efficiency level. Many of these older students already have families which are a top priority and serve as a distraction many times. There are mothers, for example, that need to be available for sick children or to be at home when their children arrive home from school. With the strict attendance policy that the majority of universities enforce these simple needs become impossible tasks that directly conflict with the requirements of their school. There are also male students, many whom served in the military, who have wives or families to take care of. In these instances the student may have to work part or even full time as well as attend school and function as a vital emotional part of their families. Many times this strain can be too overwhelming and force the student to make a decision between their studies and family life. There are also students who attend college and knowingly carry with them health issues that must, at times, be more important that the classes which they attend. However, unless these students possess a very flexible and understanding instructor, even they will be dropped if they miss too many classes. Even the average college freshman who finds their wings, and often rebellion at the same time, may choose the party life and apathy over class attendance. Whatever the case, priorities play a huge role in the decision a student makes to drop out of their university.
Depression is often a factor in a student’s decision to leave school. Recent studies show that college students who are depressed are twice as likely to drop out of college as their emotionally healthy counterparts. “There are two core symptoms of depression---loss of interest and pleasure in activities, or depressed mood---but only loss of interest is associated with lower grade point averages.” (Asian News International) The depression symptom of loss of interest greatly impacts its victims, these students, in the areas of academic study. Depression affects an individual’s ability to function, to feel, to operate the way people should be able to. It robs people of the desire to achieve and to be a valuable part or society. While depressed students can either be depressed and functional or depressed and dysfunctional, the majority of the time students with depression will at the very least experience periods of time in which they experience lethargy and find it nearly impossible to do the required work, attend the required classes, or interact with other students in the required manner.
With depression students see little reason in trying to become more and succeed in achieving the status that comes through a college education. Depression, without a doubt, affects a student’s ability to maintain a positive standing in universities and, consequently causes many drops due to this fact.
While there are many factors leading to the rate of drop outs in today’s universities, a leading cause is finances. While the economy is still recovering almost all families are touched by financial problems. This can be very influential in a person’s decision to attend school as well as whether to remain in attendance. Added to this factor is the knowledge that financial aid is often difficult to navigate. “Up to 50 students are being forced to drop out of college every week because of a massive delay in paying grants, it emerged yesterdayBroke third-level pupils are abandoning their studies because local authorities have still not issued essential cheques.” (Brennan) This example from London, England shows just how detrimental finances are to students. In this case, the financial aid issues meant that many would have to choose between dropping out completely, or living for months without funds on which to live. While this happened on a vast scale, it is not unheard of for individuals to be forced to wait for their funding so long that they too were forced to leave school. Another way finances affect a student’s decision to drop out is in the need for additional funds. There are many times in which a student’s circumstances change such as in the case of a divorce, marriage, or death of financial provider. In these cases it often makes sense for the student to drop out, even if for just a time, in order to work. Sometimes a student even has a chance to advance in a career that does not require schooling. This too can lead to a decision to leave a course of study.
Finances play a major role in the lives of people around the world and impact every area of a person’s existence. It is no surprise then that finances affect the rate at which universities are seeing their students drop out.
Why do students drop out of universities? There are many answers to this question. The general answer is that these students are not, in a sense, cut out for college due to their life circumstances. More specifically, factors such as transferring, pursuing a different course of study, or entering college only to take a few classes for self betterment can account can account for some of the statistics. Some of the causes of dropped enrollment can be explored; priorities, depression, and finances are all very vital factors in a student’s decision to quit school. A students priorities often clash with their universities requirements. Family can often serve as a hurdle to a student’s success as the obligation that accompanies them often requires sacrifice in academic areas. Work can also become a priority over a student’s course of study when provision becomes more necessary than class attendance. Depression affects a student’s ability and desire to maintain a positive academic status within a university. It makes it nearly impossible for these students to attend public classes and interact with classmates in the required manner. Finances also play a large role in the choice a person may make to drop out of school. Without the required living expenses it becomes difficult for most students to afford school attendance. All of these factors play a part in the statistical rise in drop outs universities are seeing world wide. They also serve to remind that people, are just that, people.
Works Cited
Asian News International, Depressed students twice as likely to drop out of college. ANI. 2009
Brennan, Clarie, GRANT DELAYS FORCING STUDENTS TO DROP OUT; Staff cuts blamed for slow processing. The Mirror. 2009
McCleaster, Sandra, Drop-outs, stop-outs, flunk-outs: why so many students don't complete college. 2012
