Key Barriers to College

Cost is the main reason high-school graduates say they didn't attend or complete college. Stress and the desire to join the work force are other commonly cited reasons.

Note: Data reflect a spring 2022 survey of 1,675 high-school graduates, ages 18 to 30, who didn't go to a two- or four-year college or dropped out.
Chart: Audrey Williams June Source: Edge Research, HCM Strategists, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Get the data