Virtually all factors involved in student failure fall into two categories -- lack of preparation and lack of discipline. Students often enter college unprepared for the 30 to 45 hours per week it may take to succeed with a full class load. Many are accustomed to achieving decent grades in high school without having to study much. Some students do not receive sufficient college prep training during high school, and many students come into college with serious deficits in basic skills, especially reading and writing. Colleges do offer remedial classes in math, reading, and writing, but sometimes students are already too far behind to catch up. Further, some simply don't have the ability to succeed in a rigorous college environment.
Unmotivated and unprepared students also fail by not attending class regularly, not completing school work and not studying for tests. Social opportunities, including parties, serve as distractions for students who don't schedule work and study time. Use of drugs and alcohol contributes to disinterest, poor discipline and absenteeism. An ongoing issue for some students is a refusal to take responsibility. Rather than seeking to improve on a poor test score or assignment, they blame teachers for unclear instruction or for making the class too hard. Some students think that it is the teacher's job to make college as easy as possible, so that they can pass by putting in a minimum amount of effort.
Failing college classes negatively affect grade-point average and delay degree completion. Additionally, students may lose some or all of their financial aid by failing classes, especially in consecutive semesters. Even when they keep their aid, failing or marginal students may be required to meet with an academic advisor weekly during the following semester. Failing early can also lead to a loss of confidence and impact a student's ability to succeed in school in the future.
In the big picture, failing college has consequences for employment opportunities and earning potential. Without a degree, the breadth and depth of jobs a person qualifies for are limited relative to degree earners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that for workers with "some college," unemployment was at 7.7 percent in 2012. By comparison, unemployment among people with an associate's degree was 6.2 percent. Among those with a bachelor's degree, it was 4.5 percent.