2025’s Colleges with Highest Dropout Rates & Best School Districts
In 2025, several institutions continue to struggle with high dropout rates. The colleges and universities with the highest dropout rates are primarily for-profit institutions and some public universities serving non-traditional student populations.
Top 5 institutions with the highest dropout rates:
- University of Phoenix – Online Campus (78%)
- DeVry University (72%)
- Southern New Hampshire University – Online (68%)
- Ashford University (65%)
- Western Governors University (62%)
Factors contributing to high dropout rates:
- Financial difficulties
- Lack of academic preparedness
- Personal or family issues
- Online learning challenges
- Insufficient support services
