Barriers to Re-enrollment in Higher Education

Many students who drop out of college face significant barriers that complicate their return, with approximately 30% of undergraduates not completing their degrees. Financial difficulties are a prominent factor, often compounded by the pressures of balancing work and school, particularly for students who are already managing family responsibilities. Unexpected life events, such as health crises or family income changes, can also force students to leave without formally withdrawing, resulting in holds on their academic records that hinder re-enrollment. This complexity highlights the need for colleges to simplify withdrawal and re-enrollment processes to facilitate a smoother transition back to academic life.