Millions Leave College Without a Degree — Why 2.1M More Have Just Joined Them
While many Americans view a college degree as the path to career success, tens of millions have started this journey only to leave campus without a credential in hand. This "Some College, No Credential" (SCNC) population has just grown by 2.1 million as of 2025, creating an even larger pool of individuals whose educational pathways remain incomplete.
With the SCNC population now totaling 43.1 million Americans, this represents a significant portion of working-age adults whose potential remains untapped. States across the country are now focusing on this group as they work to improve postsecondary attainment rates and strengthen their workforce.
If you're among those who left college without finishing, you're not alone in believing a degree has value. About 70% of adults without degrees still consider bachelor's credentials valuable, despite their own unfinished educational experiences. However, the re-enrollment challenges many face often stem from tuition dissatisfaction and only 18% believe four-year college tuition is fairly priced. This disconnect between perceived value and cost creates a considerable barrier, with 59% explicitly stating colleges don't charge fair prices.
Despite these concerns, most believe college eventually pays off, with 86% expecting returns within a decade. You might find yourself weighing the benefits against substantial obstacles when considering a return to education.
The financial burden remains the primary deterrent, but mental health challenges and emotional stress also play vital roles in preventing degree completion. International students face additional challenges but can access targeted support through country-specific scholarships designed for their unique circumstances. The rigid scheduling of many institutions further complicates matters when you're juggling work and family responsibilities.
These barriers explain why, despite interest in returning, many remain on the sidelines of higher education. Data indicates that your chances of persisting improve dramatically when you find an academic program you rate as "excellent."
Support services addressing mental health needs and flexible learning options also greatly increase retention success. States and institutions now use sophisticated data tracking to develop targeted re-engagement strategies for former students like you. Early preparation, including academic track record development during freshman and sophomore years of high school, can significantly reduce the risk of becoming part of the SCNC population later on. Parents who balance healthy involvement with respect for student autonomy can positively influence educational outcomes and reduce dropout rates.
The consideration of further education remains strong among the SCNC population, with 57% having contemplated pursuing a degree or credential in the past two years. Though this represents a slight two-point decline from 2023, it demonstrates considerable ongoing interest. For current students, the confidence in education's value is even stronger, with 90% of enrolled students believing their college investment will be worthwhile.
As institutions refine their approaches to serving non-traditional students, you may find more pathways opening that accommodate your unique circumstances. The key is finding programs that align with your career goals while offering the flexibility and support needed to overcome the barriers that previously stood in your way.