More
than half of the students answering the survey owed at least $20,000. But when
questioned more closely why they see leaving school as an option, it turns out
the size of the loan debt isn’t the only—or even most critical—factor.
Of
the student respondents with loans, 51% admitted to having a difficult time
juggling their studies with a job and 20% were grappling to accommodate
family-related responsibilities. More than a quarter were pondering whether to
drop out after realizing their intended field paid relatively low and 10%
didn’t even expect to work in the major they were studying.
Dissatisfaction
with the college or university they were attending also played a role in
considering whether to continue or drop out.
Not
all of the respondents with student loans, though, were having trouble. More
than a third viewed their loans as a worthwhile investment and estimated they’d
earn at least $30,000 more annually once they attain their degree.
