What Major Has the Highest Dropout Rate? Surprising Data for Competitive Exams

Shocking but true: the major with the highest dropout rate isn’t always the one everyone expects. If you’re sweating over competitive exams and career choices, you need some solid info to steer clear of common traps.

Let’s get straight to the facts. According to a 2024 survey by the National Student Clearinghouse, computer science sits at the top, with about 30% of students dropping out before earning their degree. Engineering isn’t far behind. It’s tempting to think law or medicine would lead the way, but those programs, though intense, often have stricter admission filters or built-in support systems that keep students on track.

Why does this matter? Picking a major is more than following what’s trending or what sounds cool at family dinners. If too many students are struggling to finish, something’s up. The reasons go deeper than just tough tests—think sky-high workloads, poor support, and unclear expectations from the start.

Choosing a major isn’t just about passion or paychecks. It’s about knowing what you’re up against and being honest with yourself before you even open that exam prep book. Stay tuned as we break down the numbers and share some no-nonsense strategies so you’re not just another statistic.

• The Hard Numbers: Dropout Rates by Major
• Why Are Dropout Rates So High in Some Majors?
• Inside the Most Competitive Fields: Real Student Challenges
• Practical Tips to Avoid Dropping Out

The Hard Numbers: Dropout Rates by Major

If you ever wondered which college major tops the list for highest dropout rate, here’s what the research says. A fresh 2024 report from the National Student Clearinghouse tallied dropout rates across popular fields, and the results are pretty jaw-dropping for anyone eyeing a tough major.

Check out this quick snapshot, showing first-year-to-graduation attrition rates:

And it’s not just about failing tests—sometimes students swap majors after getting a taste of the real workload. Here’s what Dr. Olivia Sanderson from the Center for College Success said:

“Computer science has an alarmingly high dropout rate, not because students aren’t smart, but because the expectations and actual coursework often don’t match what young people imagine before enrolling.”

It’s easy to see why computer science and engineering come out on top—these programs usually throw tons of new concepts at you right out of the gate. Miss a few weeks or lose your grip on key ideas, and it snowballs fast. No surprise, students in these programs use tutoring services and online resources way more than average.

If you’re set on a high-pressure major and plan to ace your competitive exams, it pays to know this stuff up front. The numbers aren’t here to scare you—they’re a solid reality check before you commit.

Why Are Dropout Rates So High in Some Majors?

The reasons why some majors rack up the highest dropout rate aren’t always obvious. First off, workload is a biggie. Majors like computer science and engineering pile on the assignments and labs. A lot of students expect to have a bit of a learning curve. But when you’re slammed with back-to-back coding projects or calculus you just don’t get, it’s easy to feel lost fast.

Then there’s the shock factor. High school doesn’t always set you up for what’s coming, especially with math-heavy fields. The transition can feel brutal. A 2023 study from the Higher Education Research Institute found nearly 60% of students in STEM majors said the material was way tougher than they imagined. There’s little room to catch up once you fall behind, which just ramps up the stress.

Let’s not forget poor support and lack of guidance. A lot of students struggle to find helpful instructors or don’t know who to ask for help. When support systems are weak, more students just bow out early. Here’s how it looks in numbers for engineering and computer science from last year’s campus-level data:

Mismatched expectations play a role too. Some students sign up because tech jobs pay well, but cut out once they realize they’re not into hours of coding or troubleshooting. The glamor fades, and so does motivation to stick it out through challenging exams.

"Students often underestimate the level of commitment needed. Grit and curiosity help, but accessible support networks are critical to retention," — Dr. Julia Benson, Academic Advisor, University of Washington

Financial stress is another deal-breaker. Many highly competitive majors take longer to finish, so costs stack up. If you’re already struggling, it’s no wonder dropping out starts to look appealing.

The truth is, the highest dropout rate in college isn’t about not being smart enough. It’s about handling surprise challenges, balancing life, and having the right playbook.

Inside the Most Competitive Fields: Real Student Challenges

If you think computer science and engineering are tough majors, you’re not wrong. The dropout rates are no joke, and the daily grind is intense. Students in these fields usually juggle an overwhelming load of assignments, group projects, and constantly changing technology. One honest stat: Nearly 1 in 3 computer science students in the US don’t make it to graduation, according to the National Student Clearinghouse 2024 data. That’s not just a few folks—it’s thousands every year.

For engineering, it’s a similar story. The dropout rate hovers around 28%. Why? The courses jump fast from basics to advanced material, and students sometimes realize too late that the work is a lot more than just math or science class in high school. Labs eat up afternoons and evenings, while exams cover more than what’s on your slides.

But what’s really tripping up students? Here’s what they say most often:

• Massive workload and tight deadlines leave barely any room for error.
• Not enough help or mentoring, especially for folks who didn’t have a strong background from high school.
• Projects and exams test problem-solving and creativity, not just memorization.
• Peer competition is fierce—if you feel behind, it’s easy to lose confidence fast.

If you’re planning to tackle these fields, keep in mind: the highest dropout rate isn’t about intelligence. It’s usually about not having the right support or not knowing what’s coming. Knowing what you’re up against makes it a whole lot easier to push through.

Practical Tips to Avoid Dropping Out

Before you even think about switching majors or calling it quits, try a few proven moves to help you beat that highest dropout rate stat. These aren’t just common sense—they actually work for students tackling tough fields like computer science and engineering.

• Find a Mentor Early: Connecting with someone who’s already beaten the tough courses makes a difference. A mentor can tip you off about tricky classes, effective study habits, and even which professors cut students some slack.
• Use Campus Support Services: Most colleges offer free tutoring, mental health help, and workshops. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students who regularly visit tutoring centers are 20% more likely to stay in their major. Don’t wait for a crisis—use these resources from the start.
• Break Down Big Goals: Instead of just saying “I’ll pass all my finals,” get specific. Split big goals into tiny steps, like reviewing two chapters a week or joining a weekly study group. Smaller wins add up and keep you motivated through brutal parts of the semester.
• Check Your Schedule: Overloading on tough classes in one semester is a classic mistake. Academic advisors can help you balance your schedule, so each term isn’t a survival test.
• Be Honest Before Committing: Ask real students and graduates about the workload and expectations. Online forums or campus Q&As can be goldmines for unfiltered advice.

If you’re struggling to juggle competitive exams and your major, track what’s working and what’s dragging you down. Here’s a quick snapshot of where students in high-dropout majors need the most backup:

Stick with what works, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Colleges want you to make it through, even if the dropout numbers sound scary. Treat staying in your major like prepping for any major competitive exam: consistent effort, smart help, and good habits make all the difference.