Why do students drop out of school?

A study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found that the main reason why students drop out of college is the conflict between school and work and family commitments. The study, With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, was conducted by Public Agenda, a nonprofit and nonpartisan public policy research organization.

Many students who drop out of college have to work while enrolled in college. They often find it very difficult to support themselves and their families and go to college at the same time.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of students who dropped out of college said that work contributed to the decision, with more than half (54%) identifying it as a major factor. About a third (35%) said that balancing work and school was too stressful.

Online classes gives students the option of having both work and an education.

Think about how many students browse a schools website, see that it does not offer online classes…..and move on to the next school. With so many options today, a school almost has to have some sort of online class to survive in the next 5 years.

Here is another scenario, you have a student who has to leave school because they can’t afford it and has to go back to work to support their family. They want to finish school and because some of the course is hands-on, it can’t be done completely online.

Well, what if you gave that student an option to take the theory online and complete the lab training on Saturday or Sunday? Could you potentially keep that student in school? Would that student tell their friends about your school?

A recent study showed 80% of people in their 20’s wanted to change careers. That number is staggering! Think of how many students you are missing by not giving them an online option. If you are struggling to increase your enrollment, online classes can be your biggest growth factor.