As of August 2024, 39% of first-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students were not completing their program within eight years. The reason: students don’t see a clear path to completion.
That’s according to the “2025 Student Voice Report” from Ellucian, a higher education technology solutions provider. This year’s research reveals that 60% of “stop-out” students are more willing to return to school if given the right support, including clearer credit transfer pathways, personalized financial aid guidance or more access to short-term programs that align with their career goals, according to Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of Ellucian.
“Too often, learners are forced to pause or abandon their education because the path forward feels uncertain or unaffordable,” Ipsen said.
For instance, the cost of college remains the most cited reason for not attending or completing college. The researchers underscored the need for institutions to better promote financial aid and affordability options.
More specifically:
- 56% of opt-outs said financial uncertainty was the primary reason they did not pursue college
- 53% of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent
- 23% of stop-outs said they cannot afford upfront costs, while 15% say they are already too burdened by student debt to return to school
Students also want more flexibility and continued learning opportunities. Some 87% of current college students intend to pursue additional credentials, with 44% planning to do so within the next year.
Dual enrollment students, too, are expressing demand for workforce-relevant pathways, with 76% valuing non-degree programs and 59% emphasizing the importance of upskilling. Additionally, 30% of high school students wish to complete college entirely online.
The importance of communication
Students say they still don’t fully understand the options available to them. The researchers argue now is the time to support re-entry and lifelong learning by clarifying pathways and elevating non-degree options.
Here’s some additional data supporting the researchers’ argument:
- Only 22% of stop-outs understand their remaining credit requirements; just 15% are confident about navigating credit transfers
- 52% of opt-outs are unaware of non-degree program options
- 74% of current college students can’t clearly define non-degree programs
- When informed, 79% of graduates, 67% of current college students, and 58% of opt-outs see value in non-degree programs
Read the full report here.
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