Most of those students leave between their freshman and sophomore years. In the data I have found, it really doesn’t say for what reasons though.

My guess is that it’s their first time away from home and a lot get homesick and move back to where they were from, a lot partied too much since it was their first time away from parental supervision, a lot just get cultural shock and don’t do well in a big school like UF, a lot of people just find they don’t like the academic environment and leave.

This is why I don’t really believe in rankings because the best school is the one that fits you and not some meaningless rankings by a third-rate news magazine.

56% of incoming freshman complete their degree within 6 years according to a Harvard study. Quite a few find themselves unable to immediately adapt to the increased work load. Others are forced out by financial problems. It usually takes 5 to 6 years to complete an bachelor s degree because most students wind up changing majors at least once. Often, it can be difficult to schedule classes necessary for degree requirements. For example, one might decide to pursue a new major before the Spring term only to discover that a prerequisite for a course is only offered in the Fall term. This means that one must wait until the following year to complete a series of prerequisite courses before proceeding in the new major.

I have known many people who have found themselves failing at a university who dropped out, went to work, completed general requirements at a community college while working, and returned to complete a degree when they were more mature and financially stable. Some have married, had children, and taken many years to complete a degree by taking courses on a part time basis. I was in awe of the women students in my MBA program who were working and raising children in addition to our course work. There are many paths to getting a degree.

Life is unpredictable and most of us find ourselves changing plans and adapting as we go along. Few of us know ourselves or the job market well enough to chart our adult lives fresh out of high school. Fortunately, the United States lends itself to people reinventing themselves. I was 32 before finding my niche, but was able to complete a degree in my new field and have a very successful career, before starting a new career in my fifties.

Best of luck and remember to have fun with the journey.