Overcoming Obstacles: The Journey of Stopout Students Towards Reenrollment

Tue Apr 14 2026 11:42:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Facing personal and financial challenges, many students fall behind in their academic goals. Initiatives are being developed to help these 'stopouts' return to their studies and finish their degrees.

The number of students who have dropped out of college, known as 'stopouts', continues to grow, but efforts by colleges and state governments are helping many of them to reenroll. Jevona Anderson’s personal struggle highlights the challenges many face when juggling life responsibilities along with their studies. However, the increasing availability of scholarships and support systems shows promise in combating the stopout trend.

In 2025, Jevona Anderson, who was nearing the completion of her bachelor’s degree, faced immense personal challenges including multiple family deaths and homelessness. Her academic life began to falter, joining the ranks of a growing number of U.S. adults who have left college without finishing their degrees.

These individuals, often referred to as 'stopouts', number around 38 million and typically carry student loan debts without the accompanying degrees to enhance their earning potential. Though many plan to return, few do until recent efforts have emerged to support their re-enrollment. In fact, over 1 million stopouts reenrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.

Anderson's path back to the University of Baltimore was made possible by a scholarship aimed at helping nearing-graduates. I needed to get this degree to give back in some way, she expressed, inspired by her past substitute teaching roles and her love for environmental education.

The Reality of Stopouts

Countless students like Anderson drop out for various reasons, including financial strain, personal responsibilities, and lack of support. Nina Diggs-Pindell, another student, shared her experience of juggling parenting with education, highlighting how minor hurdles can stall academic progress.

While states like Maryland have seen increases in enrolled students (up to 25,068 in 2023-2024), the total number of dropouts remains significant. Initiatives like those from ReUp are aiding in the reintegration of students through personalized outreach and financial support.

Strategies for Success

The data indicates that an average of 24 touchpoints is necessary before a student commits to reenrollment. Colleges recognize that reconnecting with former students can sometimes be less intensive than attracting new ones. Programs offering nudges through social media, personalized outreach, and timely scholarships have successfully drawn back students who had put their education on hold.

Anderson, having overcome numerous obstacles, is now set to graduate after this semester, even securing a loaner gown for the ceremony. Her story resonates as a testament to the resilience of stopout students and the collaborative efforts geared towards assisting them in achieving their educational goals.