Keeping Kids in College

Only 20 percent of young people who begin their higher education at two-year institutions graduate within three years and only about 4 in 10 students receive a degree within six years. The reasons are outlined in "With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them" where Public Agenda presents a series of myths and facts based on surveys with young people. Their answers may surprise you. Work is the top reason young adults give for not returning to college once they leave. Many young people are trying to support themselves, but they do not recognize the long term impact of dropping out. The solutions they suggest are both simple and reasonable. Make part-time students eligible for maximim financial aid and offer courses on flexible schedules, such as evenings and weekends. Pretty simple.

Policies informed by the experiences of the constituents are more effective.