Have you ever wondered why so many students fail to graduate? In today’s unsteady economy it would seem that people would more than ever want to stick with getting a degree.  The following research (sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation) has analyzed some of the reasons.

I have to admit that I believed some of the myths they discuss. Did you know that only 4 in 10 students enrolled in a four year degree complete the program within 6 years? Or that 23% of college students have dependent children? And 45% of students in 4 year programs work more than 20 hours a week? It definitely shed a new light on what’s going on today.

Here are a couple of the myths they dispell:

Myth 1 – Most students are full time and leave because they’re bored and don’t want to work hard (this is what I thought, shame on me!)

Reality – Most students work to support themselves and leave because of the stress of work and school.

Myth 2- Most college students are supported by parents and receive loans and scholarships.

Reality – Young people who don’t finish are often going it alone financially.

Have a look at their research it’s fascinating. Let’s start the conversation going in the comments below, why do you think so many students dropout? Is college worth it these days?
Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them