Yeah, I think that obviously happens a lot. There are great reasons to go to JUCO’s or Community Colleges, and then transfer to a four year school. But I also think some of the attrition is just kids (regular students) dropping out of school.
In my limited sample. I personally started college (regular student) and finished at the same school. My wife dropped out of college after three years to marry some idiot! Forty- nine years later she’s married to the same idiot!
As for my children, my oldest daughter (regular student) dropped out of a four year school after two years. She went back five years later, graduated, went to law school and is now fairly well known on a national level as a Child Welfare Attorney and a Counselor (legal) for Children.
My son (college athlete, minor sport) transferred after his freshman year (variety of reasons, some not very good, girlfriend, ugh!), played at the next school for two years, dropped out to turn pro. Realized that wasn’t gonna work, went to a third school, and now has his PhD.
My youngest daughter (regular student, or non student as the case may be!) dropped out of college after her freshman year and has, sadly, never returned.
So to summarize my experience. One athlete who transferred, had some success at his new school, but, frankly, has had more success in life as a result of his advanced degrees. Two kids who dropped out (three actually, including my son) one of whom never went back, two who did and finished.
The two who dropped out and went back got advanced degrees and are very successful professionally. College degrees are GOOD things, advanced degrees can be even better!
The one who dropped out and never returned does excellent work in a “helping” field but economically is not as comfortable or as successful as her older brother and sister. BUT, she gave us the greatest gift we’ve ever received, our “Special” needs granddaughter, who’s playing at my feet right now as I type this!
So, back to my original premise, there are some kids, and I think a fair amount, who just drop out of college for whatever reason, some of whom never return. My suggestion, of course, is don’t drop out, but if you do, go back and finish. 