According to articles in CN College News, Washington College News and NY Times, the number one reason students drop out of college is money. Many students work part-time, full-time or even two jobs to meet school and living expenses, which can prove to be too much for some students juggle with the demands of school.
Students may not have the organizational, emotional or academic skills needed to stay on-task in the college environment. Some quickly gain the needed abilities; others do not.
Many college freshmen, especially recent high school graduates, are unprepared to handle the freedom of life on their own. Less traditional students may be distracted by the needs of aging parents, small children or even a spouse who is unemployed or ill. Grades may suffer because of the distractions, which, in turn, may lead to dropping out.