Despite mounting financial pressures and competing life demands, the vast majority of Californians without college degrees continue to view higher education as essential for economic mobility, according to a new study released by the College Futures Foundation and Gallup.
Eloy Ortiz Oakley
The findings come as California grapples with a significant skills gap. By 2031, 67% of the state's jobs are projected to require some form of postsecondary education, yet only 56% of adults currently hold a degree or credential. More than six million Californians under 65 have started college but never completed their programs.
Financial considerations emerged as the primary obstacle to enrollment. Among adults who previously stopped out of college, 62% cited increased personal income as the most important factor that would encourage them to re-enroll, with financial aid access close behind at 61%.
"Working learners value education, but they need systems that value them back," said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president and CEO of College Futures Foundation. "Learners are clear about where our systems are failing and where transformation is most urgent."
The study revealed troubling patterns among currently enrolled students. More than one-third (36%) have considered stopping out in the past six months, with Hispanic students (48%), full-time workers (45%), and caregivers (50%) showing particularly high rates.
Emotional stress and mental health concerns top the list of reasons students leave or consider leaving their programs, cited by 56% of those considering departure and 45% of those who have already stopped out. These stressors often stem from juggling work, caregiving responsibilities, and academic demands.
