Stopouts

Stopouts are students who pause their formal studies with the intention of returning at a later time. In higher education, the term denotes a temporary withdrawal rather than a permanent departure. Stopouts differ from dropouts, who end enrollment with no clear plan to return, and from suspensions, which may be a formal administrative action with specified readmission criteria.

Stopouts may pause for a range of reasons, including financial hardship, family responsibilities, health issues, work commitments, or the need to remediate academic gaps. During the pause, they typically do not progress toward degree requirements, though some may pursue unrelated coursework or auxiliary programs outside their degree track.

Implications for institutions include impacts on retention metrics and time-to-degree calculations. Stopouts can be at risk of not returning, which can affect long-term enrollment planning and resource allocation. For students, pauses can disrupt academic momentum and familiarity with degree requirements, potentially complicating readmission.

Identification and tracking rely on enrollment data and readmission records. Stopout rates vary by institution, program type, and student demographics, making targeted interventions important.

Re-engagement strategies focus on reducing barriers to return. Common approaches include proactive advising, degree-planning assistance, flexible or online course options, modular or accelerated formats, financial aid and emergency funding, and clear readmission pathways. By addressing underlying causes and easing re-entry, institutions aim to convert stopouts back into active students and shorten overall time to degree.