A substantial portion of college students across the nation, accounting for thirty-five percent, have contemplated discontinuing their academic pursuits within the past six months. Foremost among the factors contributing to this trend is students’ overall wellbeing, with fifty-four percent citing emotional stress and forty-three percent citing mental health concerns as pivotal reasons for considering departure. Notably, the proportion of students citing emotional stress as a deterrent to their continued enrollment more than doubled from 2020 to 2021, underscoring the enduring significance of this issue. Furthermore, financial constraints persist as the third most prevalent reason for contemplating departure, with thirty-one percent of students expressing concerns about the cost of education.
These findings stem from the Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2024 State of Higher Education Study, conducted between October 9 and November 16, 2023, through a web survey involving 14,032 current and prospective college students. The survey encompassed individuals currently enrolled in post-high school education programs, adults who previously pursued education without completing a degree, and adults who have never been enrolled in an educational institution. Gallup employed an opt-in online panel to solicit responses from all participant groups.
The study reveals that emotional stress and mental health challenges are most pronounced among bachelor’s degree students, with sixty-seven percent citing emotional stress and fifty-six percent citing mental health concerns as factors influencing their contemplation of leaving their studies. Although slightly less prevalent, similar challenges are reported by students pursuing associate degrees, with approximately half reporting emotional stress and mental health as reasons for considering discontinuation. In contrast, fewer certificate or industry certification students mention emotional stress or mental health as reasons for potentially halting their coursework. Notably, the reasons for leaving programs have exhibited consistency across years within each program type.
Female students, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with sixty-four percent citing emotional stress and fifty-two percent citing mental health concerns as factors influencing their consideration of discontinuing their studies, compared to thirty-seven percent and twenty-seven percent respectively among male students.
In summary, the decline in student wellbeing predates the pandemic, with COVID-19 exacerbating existing challenges. Post-pandemic, levels of happiness have diminished, and negative emotions have intensified, contributing to the decline in the U.S.’s ranking in the World Happiness Report. The growing prevalence of stress, anxiety, and reduced wellbeing presents a significant obstacle for institutions striving to retain students and facilitate degree completion.
Despite increased institutional investments in programs addressing mental health and emotional stress, the Lumina-Gallup State of Higher Education Study underscores that these remain primary barriers to student retention. Addressing these challenges is paramount for institutions seeking to retain current students and attract new enrollees amidst ongoing concerns about enrollment trends in the U.S.
