Colleges hope to lure back dropouts
May 8, 2012
Several U.S. colleges have implemented plans to lure college dropouts back to campus to finish their degree.
According to Reuters, the University of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma, University of Kentucky and University of Rhode Island (URI) are among some that have reached out to former students encouraging them to return to college.
At URI, school officials say that the number of students dropping out after completing the majority of their required courses has increased in recent years. The Standard-Times reports that as many as 2,000 students have reached the upper level of their academic programs, 90 credits, and then dropped out of school within the past 10 years.
"We thought it is our responsibility to help students complete their degree. They have already spent a significant amount of time and money," Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Donald DeHayes told the newspaper. "It's unfortunate. We know a student with a degree can double earning power over the next 10 years."
While a degree can help individuals immediately boost their earning potential and job marketability, studies have shown that college graduates make significantly more money over the course of their careers than those without a degree.
In fact, recent research from the Pew Research Center reveals that over the course of a 40-year career, college graduates are expected to make about $650,000 more than those without a college degree.
At URI, officials piloted the "Finish What You Started" program by sending 500 letters to former students. Some students contacted the university directly as well.
"We're very encouraged," DeHayes told The Standard-Times. "If we can help 50 to 100 people, it not only creates more opportunity for them, but it's a source of pride and accomplishment for them. That's important. We're happy to be a part of it."
Through these programs, schools are making it easy for former students to finish up their studies and obtain their bachelor's degree. They offer on-the-spot readmission, flexible schedules, the ability to take classes at various locations or online and supportive advisors. Some, like URI, may also take prior work experience into account and offer credits for it.
While an inability to pay for the remainder of their education may have caused some to drop out of college in the first place, school officials want to help former students find a way to pay their way this time around by helping with financial aid.
Moms returning to school can also rely on financial help through various grants for parents, scholarships for mothers or single mother scholarships.
