Millions in US Never Finished College, But Reenrollments Are Rising

With targeted financial aid and support, more adults are returning to complete their degrees

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:18am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of college textbooks and a graduation cap, symbolizing the perseverance and determination of adult students returning to complete their higher education.A vibrant visual metaphor for the growing number of adult students reenrolling in college to finish their degrees after previously dropping out.Pueblo Today

After facing personal and financial challenges, Jevona Anderson, 60, dropped out of the University of Baltimore just shy of completing her bachelor's degree. But with the help of a scholarship program, she was able to reenroll and is now on track to graduate this spring. Her story highlights a growing trend, as colleges and local governments work to reengage the millions of 'stopout' students who left college before finishing their degrees.

Why it matters

Earning a college degree can significantly boost long-term earnings, but many students face obstacles like family responsibilities, health issues, and financial pressures that cause them to leave school before completing their studies. By providing targeted support and financial assistance, colleges are helping more of these 'stopout' students get back on track and finish their degrees, unlocking greater economic potential.

The details

Jevona Anderson first enrolled at the University of Baltimore in 2019 to pursue a bachelor's in environmental sustainability, with the goal of becoming a teacher who could share her passion for the environment with urban students. But after facing several personal setbacks, including deaths in her family and an eviction that left her homeless, Anderson began struggling academically and eventually dropped out in 2025. When she was ready to reenroll, a scholarship program at the university helped cover her remaining credits and housing costs, allowing her to get back on track toward graduation.

  • Anderson first enrolled at the University of Baltimore in 2019.
  • By 2025, Anderson was failing classes and falling behind on bills, leading her to drop out.
  • In late 2022, when Anderson's life had stabilized, she learned about the university's scholarship program for students close to finishing their degrees.
  • Anderson is now on track to graduate this spring 2023 semester.

The players

Jevona Anderson

A 60-year-old student at the University of Baltimore who dropped out in 2025 but was able to reenroll and is now on track to graduate with a bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability.

University of Baltimore

The university where Anderson is pursuing her bachelor's degree and which offers a scholarship program to help students close to finishing their degrees reenroll and complete their studies.

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What they’re saying

“It was so easy for someone my age to stop, because I have a lot of professional skills to get a job to continue to just live. It's bigger than that.”

— Jevona Anderson, University of Baltimore Student

“Higher education continues to have great unmet potential to help people live better lives, and we're talking about a group of Americans that have already started down to that path; they're close to the finish line.”

— James Kvaal, Former Undersecretary of Education

What’s next

Anderson is on track to graduate from the University of Baltimore this spring semester after receiving financial assistance through the university's scholarship program for students close to completing their degrees.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing efforts by colleges and local governments to reengage the millions of 'stopout' students who left college before finishing their degrees. By providing targeted support, financial aid, and personalized outreach, more of these students are able to return to school and complete their studies, unlocking greater economic potential for themselves and their communities.