It's a lose-lose for colleges, students and parents if students never graduate, regardless of GPA.
KD College Prep President David Dillard said students who understand the financial ramifications of staying in school longer have a better college experience
"They are in control of quickly they get out and how much they get out of it. I encourage parents to teach their kids responsible decision making and taking responsibility of their own success," said Dillard.
He said it's up to adults to help young people.
"To begin exploring their options, understand their passions, start to get--at least--an idea of the directions they want to go, so that they're not just wandering in the wilderness four years in college, burning cash at such a fast rate," said Dillard.
He said if colleges can improve graduation rates, they improve rankings and reputation, even possibly state funding. At least now, colleges will scrutinize the cause more, especially with the rising cost of college tuition.
The study didn’t find if the cause was due to simpler material, a more forgiving in grading process, or better prep in high school.