Chabot College Leaver Study: Fall 1997 to Spring 1998

Why students leave Chabot

The Chabot College Leaver Study surveyed a sample of new, continuing, and returning students who had enrolled at Chabot in Fall 1997 but did not return in Spring 1998, and asked them why they had left. Outside conflicts were the major reasons for leaving—most students want to continue in college but outside survival issues, such as jobs, health, or family reponsibilities interfere. About one quarter cited problems with Chabot, such as a course or training program not being available. About 15 percent left because they were not ready or prepared for college. Two-thirds of those who left intend to return.

Major Reasons Why Students Leave

                        Percentage choosing each reason
Types of reasons New Continuing Returning
Outside conflicts 64% 64% 60%
Chabot factors 19% 29% 19%
Individual factors 14% 17% 13%
Met goal 7% 10% 14%
Other 3% 1% 5%
Total percent*: 107% 121% 111%
Sample size: 221 107 67

*Students could choose more than one reason, so percentages add  to more than 100% 

ChartObject Major reasons for leaving, by student type

  

 

Top Detailed Reasons Why Students Leave 
                                        Percentage choosing each reason
Selected detailed reasons New Continuing Returning
Outside conflicts      
Job conflicts 24% 35% 29%
Health/personal problems 12% 13% 3%
Family responsibilities 12% 11% 8%
Financial problems 9% 10% 8%
Overall time pressure 4% 15% 22%
Chabot factors      
Course not available 7% 11% 10%
Found other training program 4% 6% 3%
Safety/climate 3% 1% 2%
Instructional methods 1% 5% 3%
Individual factors      
Taking a break/lost interest 5% 12% 4%
Late to register 4% 2% 2%
Low academic success/study skills 2% 4% 5%