Finish Your Degree Day is a reminder to the 40+ million college stop-outs in the U.S. that it’s never too late to go back to school and complete your degree. Whether life got in the way due to work, finances, family, or health, stop-outs deserve a second chance. Thanks to advancements in the higher education model, stop-outs can take their next step toward a brighter future by taking advantage of credit recovery tools, enrollment mentorship, and adult learning support. And with online programs like StraighterLine, getting your degree is more affordable and more flexible than ever before. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to finish your degree, this is it.
History of Finish Your Degree Day
The term stop-out—a person who started college but had to pause when life got in the way—was coined in the early 1970s. Since the term was first used, hundreds of millions of U.S. adults have earned some college credit but no degree.
Today, nearly one in eight U.S. adults are college stop-outs, nearly one in six U.S. student loan borrowers has debt but no degree, and nearly 60% of non-completers end up defaulting on their student loans. The impact isn’t just financial, though. Research shows that stopping out affects confidence, career mobility, and long-term health and well-being.
Compared to other countries like Canada, South Korea, and the U.K., the U.S. lags behind in college completion rates. As global competitors build more educated workforces, millions of Americans—parents, veterans, and working professionals—are stuck in degree purgatory.
Finish Your Degree Day was created in 2025 to shine a light on the millions of Americans who are closer to a college degree than they may realize. Since fall is the most common re-entry point for stop-outs, Finish Your Degree Day lands just before most colleges close enrollment for the fall semester.
Finish Your Degree Day is about taking second chances and turning unfinished chapters into new beginnings. Because while stop-outs may have left school, they didn’t leave their dreams behind.
Finish Your Degree Day timeline
The first known use of the term “stop-out” is recorded in educational literature. (source)
NCES releases an official report examining the educational experiences of stop-outs, which finds that nearly 30% of students leaving in their first year return later—about 42% at four-year schools and 57% at two-year colleges. (source)
StraighterLine launches a prior-learning assessment program enabling stop-outs to earn credit for work and life experience. (source)
The National Student Clearinghouse reports that 29 million people have college credits but no credential—a milestone quantifying the stop-out population at the time. (source)
StraighterLine implements a “Refer & Return” program in response to the COVID-19 crisis, achieving an 80% graduation rate for stopped-out learners. (source)
The National Student Clearinghouse reports that 1.4 million additional stop‑outs were recorded between July 2020 and July 2021 alone. (source)
UPCEA and StraighterLine conduct research that finds over 50% of stop‑out returners were already ≥50% through their degree program at the point of withdrawal. (source)
Universities and colleges begin leveraging AI to help identify and support students at risk of stopping-out. (source)
StraighterLine launches “Finish Your Degree Day,” calling on the 40+ million Americans with some college credit but no degree to re-engage with their coursework and complete their degree.
Finish Your Degree Day FAQs
What is a college “stop-out”?
A stop-out is someone who temporarily leaves college before finishing their degree—with the intent to return. Unlike a dropout, stop-outs often plan to re-enroll when circumstances improve. Life events like work, caregiving, health, or finances are common reasons for stopping out.
How many people in the U.S. have stopped out of college?
More than 40 million Americans have some college credit but no degree. That’s nearly 1 in 8 adults.
Is the U.S. in a stop-out “crisis”?
The stop-out population represents a large share of Americans with unfinished education, often carrying student debt without the benefit of a degree. Roughly 1 in 6 borrowers falls into this category, and nearly 60% of non-completers default on their loans—more than double the default rate of degree holders. This has long-term effects on individuals’ job security, financial stability, and mental health—and slows national progress on workforce development.
Is finishing your college degree really worth it?
Yes. Adults who complete their degree after stopping out see meaningful improvements in earnings, employment opportunities, and overall life satisfaction. The difference in median income between someone with a bachelor’s degree and someone with only “some college” can exceed $20,000 per year.
Finish Your Degree Day Activities
Get inspired to finish your degree
Take a real step toward completing your degree! Visit FinishYourDegree.org to learn how other stop-outs have successfully re-entered a degree program and discover your own opportunities. It might just be the inspiration you’ve been waiting for.
Talk to an enrollment specialist
Not sure where to begin? Schedule a call with StraighterLine’s enrollment team. They'll help you review your past credits, explore transfer options, and outline a clear, manageable plan toward finishing your degree.
Share your “Why I’m Going Back” story
Your personal journey can inspire others. Post a short message or video on social media with #FinishYourDegree, explaining what motivated you to return or why you’re considering going back to school now.
Complete a “Back to School” checklist
Build a checklist tailored to your goals. Start by defining your “why,” then review past transcripts, explore certification or degree options, and research programs that match your needs. Consider factors like course availability, employer partnerships, and online flexibility. Talk to financial aid representatives to understand your options—and choose the path that fits you best.
Pair up with a “returning student buddy”
Grab a friend—or make a new one—who’s also aiming to finish their degree. Arrange monthly check-ins, study sessions, or even sign up for a class together. You’ll support each other and strengthen your commitment.
Why We Love Finish Your Degree Day
Because second chances deserve to be celebrated
Life doesn’t always go as planned—but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. Finish Your Degree Day is a reminder that no matter how long it’s been, you can still cross that finish line.
It shines a light on untapped potential
Over 40 million Americans have some college credit but no degree. This day honors the people who never gave up on their goals—and gives them the nudge and support they may need to pick up where they left off.
It feels good to take the first step
Whether it’s requesting your transcripts, talking to an advisor, or just saying your goal out loud, small actions on this day can lead to big progress.
Finish Your Degree Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 6 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | August 6 | Thursday |
| 2027 | August 6 | Friday |
| 2028 | August 6 | Sunday |
| 2029 | August 6 | Monday |
