Oct 17, 2013 10:02 AM EDT By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Despite being only halfway through the semester, a fair number of college freshman are thinking about bailing out due to deadlines, exams and the stress they may cause.

Studies show that almost 10 percent of students at public four-year colleges quit before their second semester. The dropout rate is twice as high at two-year colleges, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

On a larger scale, nearly 50 percent of students leave college without a degree, according to U.S. News and World Report.

"These are pretty dramatic numbers," Donald Foss, professor of psychology at the University of Houston, told the Tribune.

In his new book, "Your Complete Guide to College Success: How to Study Smart, Achieve Your Goals, and Enjoy Campus Life", Foss offers advice and helpful tips to ensure an academically successful college experience for students.

In his book, which was released in April, he outlines key factors that can cause students to lose focus in their studies. He identifies loneliness and isolation, alcohol, time management, and studying as factors that can trip up students.

In regards to studying, Foss explains that most students don't know how to study effectively.

"Simply reading, re-reading and highlighting doesn't lead to effective learning," he said . "Strategically read your text, write a summary, and honestly check you work. Frequent, honest self-assessment is a key to success."

Foss said when things do go wrong, students should practice constructive coping techniques such as learning to analyze the source of the challenge and deal with them effectively.

Many students who opt to drop out of college may leave without a degree, but they can't leave behind their student loans.

Students who drop out of college are four times more likely to default on their federal loans than those who graduate, according to financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz.

Finance is also a main reason students withdraw from college, however, ironically, as soon as students drop out, new monetary strains can become a reality.

In their list of tips for student loan repayments, U.S. News and World Report suggest students consider enrolling in school part-time, to help keep payments at bay, before withdrawing from school.

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