Feb 14, 2024 12:00 AM EST By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

A recent survey conducted by New America sheds light on the factors contributing to the high rate of stopouts from community colleges.

According to the findings, nearly half of the students who left community college before fall 2023 without completing their degrees or credentials cited the need to work as a primary reason.

Work Demands as a Major Barrier

Among the respondents who stopped out, a significant proportion-49 percent-identified the necessity to work as a major obstacle. This figure marks a notable increase of seven percentage points from the previous year, indicating a growing trend of students having to prioritize employment over education.

The implications of this trend are profound, as it reflects the economic realities faced by many community college students. For these individuals, balancing work and academics becomes increasingly challenging, often leading them to choose employment opportunities that provide immediate financial stability over long-term educational pursuits.

Financial Challenges Exacerbate Dropout Rates

In addition to work commitments, financial constraints emerged as another significant factor contributing to students' decisions to leave community college. Approximately 37 percent of respondents mentioned that they discontinued their studies due to affordability issues, highlighting the economic challenges faced by many community college students.

The rising cost of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses has placed a considerable burden on students from low-income backgrounds, making it difficult for them to afford higher education. As a result, many students are forced to work multiple jobs or take on significant student loan debt, further exacerbating their financial instability and increasing the likelihood of dropout.

Moreover, a sizable portion of stopouts-27 percent-reported a loss of motivation as a reason for leaving. This finding underscores the importance of addressing not only financial barriers but also the emotional and psychological factors that impact students' persistence in their educational journeys.

Implications for Community Colleges

The survey results underscore the urgent need for community colleges to enhance support services and resources to address the multifaceted challenges faced by their students. As the report suggests, the economic uncertainty exacerbated by the pandemic, coupled with the high cost of education, continues to pose significant barriers to student success.

To reverse the trend of increasing stopout rates and regain pre-pandemic enrollment levels, community colleges must prioritize initiatives aimed at supporting students' financial well-being, reducing the need for extensive work commitments, and fostering a conducive learning environment that promotes motivation and engagement.

By implementing targeted interventions such as financial aid assistance, flexible scheduling options, and comprehensive advising services, community colleges can create pathways for students to overcome obstacles and successfully complete their educational goals.

In conclusion, the findings of the New America survey highlight the complex interplay of economic, social, and motivational factors contributing to community college stopouts. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from educational institutions, policymakers, and community stakeholders to ensure equitable access to higher education and promote student success.

As community colleges continue to grapple with the fallout from the pandemic and economic downturn, it is imperative that they prioritize the needs of their most vulnerable students and implement proactive measures to support their academic and personal development. Only by addressing the root causes of dropout rates can community colleges fulfill their mission of providing accessible and affordable education to all.

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