Top 15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Dropping Out of College

by IvyPanda Updated on: Aug 11th, 2023

10 min

6,786

Many students face challenging situations that make them consider dropping out of college. Perhaps they think that college is too difficult, too costly, too long, or too exhausting. And some just want to feel more excited about what they’re studying.

The picture shows statistics related to drop out rates in the US.

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, it’s essential that your final decision to leave college or stay is based not only on your emotions but also on reason. And this article written by our team of experts will help you with that!

Keep reading to learn how to evaluate your situation, decide whether or not you should drop out of school, and assess what to do next.

Table of contents

🎓 Possible Reasons for Dropping Out
🙅 Why Quitting Studies Is a Bad Idea
❓ 15 Questions to Ask Yourself
💡 What to Do After Dropping Out
🎁 Bonus Tips
🔗 References

🎓 Possible Reasons for Leaving College

If you want to drop out of college, you are not alone. According to recent statistics, roughly 32.9% of students do not graduate from their program. There are plenty of reasons why a student might decide not to finish their education:

🏠 Homesickness	For many young people, college is a great opportunity to explore, embrace, and enjoy unfamiliar things. However, some students might feel like they don’t belong in their new environment. They could miss their old friends, home, parents, and places they once wanted to leave.
💸 Financial Problems	With every coming year, education becomes more and more expensive. The average tuition cost of a private college is about $38,070 per year. Most students must apply for loans, and many become trapped by the monthly payments after graduation.
💔 A Breakup	It might seem unreasonable to parents, but a broken heart can make a young person pack their bags and leave college. Walking the same campus roads and bumping into an old flame in the corridors can be unbearable. Dropping out becomes an escape from heartache.
📚 Heavy Workload	A college’s academic program can be intense and very demanding, especially during finals and midterms. Many students decide their mental health is more important than a college degree.
🤷‍♀️ Lack of Direction	Some people go to college without understanding what they want from experience. They might begin to consider that taking classes, doing homework, and listening to lectures are a waste of their time. A lack of direction is one reason many students drop out of school.
👪 Family Issues	In some circumstances, you may have to start looking for a paid job. A parent might fall ill and need your assistance, or perhaps your family can no longer support you financially. In such situations, continuing education may become impossible.
🏥 Health Problems	Some illnesses can make it impossible to study even remotely. If a student has serious health issues and studying prevents them from getting better, they have every right to quit.
👔 Job Is a Priority	If you have kids and a family to support, having a job might be your top priority. If this is the case, then you must balance work and school, which can be very challenging. As a result, you may decide to give up on your education for the moment.
🎉 Too Much Partying	Having fun at college is to be expected; however, having too much fun is not a good idea. A lot of students lose track of what is essential, and as a result, they fall so behind in their studies that they have to leave school.
📉 Academic Failure	High school and college require two different levels of academic excellence. Most students arrive at college unprepared for the academic challenges they will face. To succeed, they need to study a lot. Those who put in their best yet still get bad grades sometimes choose to drop out.

🙅 Why Leaving College Is a Bad Idea

Regardless of the reasons listed above, giving up on college is a very drastic measure. Here are some of the major reasons why education is worth pursuing and why dropping out of college is a bad idea:

The picture enumerates reasons why graduating from college is worth it.

🚀 Education provides you with opportunities	Higher education opens many doors. It allows you to get a prestigious job, meet exciting people, and make valuable connections.
🤑 You will make more money if you get a degree	Studies show that college graduates earn more money throughout their lifetime than those who do not finish their degrees, and the pay gap continues to grow yearly.
🥳 College can be fun	Your parents will often tell you that college is the time of your life, and it’s true: minimal responsibilities, lots of people around, freedom from your parents, college trips, exciting lectures, parties, networking, free gym memberships, and libraries to use. Why not make the most of it?
💪 You become more independent in college	Living on campus prepares teenagers for adult life. It’s a perfect moment to start managing your finances, get a job, learn how to cook, and perfect the art of cleaning your room!
👥 You can learn soft skills in college	If you realize that in the end you aren’t going to pursue a career in Philosophy or Liberal Arts, don’t worry: the four years will not have passed in vain! You will graduate with the ability to communicate, resolve conflicts, adapt to new situations more quickly, and use problem-solving skills.

❓ 15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Dropping Out

So far, we’ve examined several arguments for and against leaving college, but you might still feel indecisive. We suggest you answer the following fifteen questions to consider all the pros and cons before making an informed decision. These answers will help you understand your situation and decide whether dropping out of college is your best option.

1. Will I Benefit from Leaving College?

Think about it: you should only consider dropping out of school if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. If you’ve just landed a better career, found a professional development option, or a life-changing opportunity comes your way, it might be a good idea to leave college. However, if your decision is based on resentment or frustration, try to reconsider. The ability to cope with stress and overcome obstacles will help you later in life!

2. Why Do I Really Want to Quit?

One of the first things you need to do before quitting is to examine why you really want to leave. You may find that the problem has an easier solution. For example, you might need help paying your bills or figuring out how to balance your work and studies. Many students struggle to adjust to new environments like college. Approaching your teacher for assistance is a great first step.

3. Am I Quitting Because of a Feeling of Inadequacy?

It is very common for students to feel inadequate due to various reasons, be it mental health problems, test anxiety, impostor syndrome, or academic difficulties. Research shows that 30 to 40% of all students share these sentiments. However, dropping out of college might not be the right solution. Why not visit a college counselor or a therapist? Colleges offer numerous support options, and we suggest you look into them.

The picture enumerates the symptoms of the impostor syndrome.

4. Is My Social Life Ruining My Studies?

Finding a balance between studying and socializing can be a challenge. It’s tricky because some students party excessively while others may experience isolation. Too much socializing can lead to lower grades, and not having enough friends may affect your mental health. Counselors can provide support, practical tips, and guidance to resolve these issues.

5. Have I Spoken About It with My Friends and Family?

Sometimes speaking with family and friends can help you make a good decision. You may share your problems and concerns with them and discuss your options. People who care about you will always try to give the best advice.

6. What Am I Going to Do Next?

If you decide to drop out of college, you need to have a plan for the future. It’s vital to have something that will keep you busy, help you evolve, and provide you with sufficient income. Make sure your plan B is plausible and will assist you in achieving your long-term goals.

7. Can an Academic Advisor Help Me Decide?

Most colleges and universities introduce you to your academic advisor at the beginning of the year. Consider consulting them before making a life-changing decision. An academic advisor can help if you are struggling mentally, financially, or academically.

8. Can I Get Financial Aid?

Do you feel forced to leave due to financial struggles? You may not be aware of it, but there are many options worth considering instead of dropping out. Financial aid programs are available for students depending on the college, starting from loans with interest rates, scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries. Alternatively, you can look for a part-time job to help with your expenses and tuition.

The picture enumerates types of financial aid available to students.

9. Will I Be Able to Pay Back My Student Loans?

Financial stress is one of the main reasons why students drop out of college. Before quitting, you should know that you will still need to repay your student loans. So, consider the decision carefully and ask yourself, “should I quit college after spending thousands of dollars on a degree I will not finish?”

It’s also important to remember that if you have a federal loan, you will have to start paying it off six months after you leave college. Some universities have banks, so you can ask for financial aid to gain a little more time.

10. Can I Get My Education at a Lower Cost?

You might feel that higher education is expensive and not worth it. You are not alone! It’s a common problem among students, and there are, in fact, many ways to get a degree at a lower cost, such as scholarships and fellowships. If none of these options work, you can transfer to a community college or no-degree college, which are far less expensive than private or public schools.

11. Can I Transfer or Switch Degrees?

If you have realized that you are not enjoying what you are studying, you can change your major. Many students have to decide on a career before even entering college. So, if you feel that another subject will be more suitable for your personality and interests, go for it. The majority of universities have provisions for students facing a similar dilemma.

12. Can I Take a Break Instead of Dropping Out?

Ask yourself, “should I drop out of college, or do I just need a break from it?” You can always come back after a few months and decide whether your sentiments were caused by social isolation, academic failure, or financial stress.

13. Am I Able to Finish My Current Degree?

Most universities allow students to reenroll in their program after dropping out if they have already advanced in the degree. Of course, if you have left early on, the situation might be different. But if you only have one year before graduation, why not try to finish your degree?

14. Have I Tried Everything My School Has to Offer?

You might have noticed that many problems can be solved while you are still in college if you ask for help and assistance. You can find a tutor, see your professors during office hours, take advantage of the counseling available on campus, or join a study group. Ask yourself if you have tried all the possible options.

15. Will I Get the Job I Want Without a Degree?

It is absolutely possible to find a job without a degree, and many people do that. However, depending on the position you want, it might be more challenging when it comes to higher-paying jobs. If you already have a professional area that interests you, ask yourself if you can get that position without the relevant education.

We don’t recommend using successful college dropouts such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates as inspiration: they are the exceptions to the rule!

💡 What to Do After Dropping Out of College

So, you’ve considered all the pros and cons and have decided to quit your studies. Let’s see what you can do next. Here are some of the most exciting options to choose from:

🤝	Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to help your community and build a professional network. It also looks excellent on a resume because it shows that you are a passionate and reliable person.
🧑‍💼	Start an internship. An internship can be an excellent way to get that much-needed professional and educational experience off a college campus. It can also lead to a job offer if you prove to be a hardworking candidate.
⌛	Find a part-time job. A part-time job is an excellent option because it can help you learn new skills, keep you busy (but not too busy,) and give you a financial incentive.
🗓️	Take a gap year. This is a great way to get new experiences and meet people. Sometimes students need a break to recharge and gain life skills. Who knows? After one year, you may decide to continue with your education.
🖥️	Get an entry-level job. An entry-level job is a win-win situation—you get the money you need and gain valuable skills for your future career. For instance, if you want to go into hotel management in the future, getting a job as a hotel receptionist is a good start.
💰	Start your business. Many students leave college to become entrepreneurs. If you have an idea and someone willing to finance it, go ahead and take a leap of faith! It could be an online business, a delivery service, or anything else your imagination comes up with.
🌍	Travel. If you have the financial means, it’s worth taking some time off to see the world. Ultimately, you will return a new person with a clearer idea of who you want to become.
🎨	Do art. You may enjoy painting, cooking, crafting, or other creative hobbies. Now that you have time to pursue these interests, perhaps your passion could turn into a business!
🧑🏽‍🎓	Enroll in a course (online is a good option.) Don’t worry about getting too busy academically right away after dropping out. Taking several courses for college credits at a community college or an online institution is a great alternative to a full-time degree.

🎁 Bonus Tips for Dropping Out

And finally, our team has gathered some essential tips on how to make the process of dropping out less stressful and continue living your life to the fullest:

The picture enumerates the best tips for dropping out of college.

✅ Never stop learning and developing yourself.

Education doesn’t end with school, so striving to be your best every day will help you grow. Don’t let your brain go loose just because you dropped out of college.

✅ Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Leaving college before graduation is a considerable risk, so be sure to continue taking an active role in your life even after making this step. It will help you make new connections, do exciting things, and constantly grow as a person.

✅ Find a network of friends and like-minded people.

You still need mentors and friends even if you are not in school anymore. Find such individuals and stick close to them. We all need people who inspire us, motivate us, and help us grow.

✅ Do your best.

Push yourself as hard as you can to reach your goals. Yes, you aren’t getting grades from your professors, so why not grade your progress yourself? Be consistent and hardworking, and you’ll be successful in whatever you do.

Make sure to reward yourself and get enough rest to avoid burnout!

✅ Be ready to start from the entry level.

Humility is one of the requirements you need in order to succeed in a new profession. First, allow yourself to learn from others, and second, work your way up from the ground floor. You can climb the ladder even without a college diploma if you have the right attitude and work ethic.

Thank you for reading our article! We hope our advice will help you make the best decision. Share these tips with your friends that are also considering dropping out of college. Good luck!

🔗 References