Addressing the Rising Dropout Rate in Computer Science: Why Is It So High?

Computer science degrees are highly appealing, promising lucrative jobs, exciting new technologies and shaping the Digital World. But a surprisingly high number of students have withdrawn from these paths. Statistics indicate that the number of students who drop out of CS studies is around 9.8% nationally, compared with other STEM disciplines.

This high dropout rate is observed across various institutions globally, with some sources suggesting that it may be even higher, around 40% in the first 1-2 years.

Given the high demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector, this phenomenon is particularly worrying. In order to develop strategies for supporting students and improving their retention, it is important to understand the reasons behind this trend.

Academic Challenges

One major culprit is the mismatch between expectations and reality. A lot of students enter the CS program with an image of a field focused on using cool apps and gadgets only. The truth? The CS degree is about math and problem solving as much as it’s about programming. Advanced mathematics, algorithm design and programming languages are frequently covered in computer science courses. Many students are struggling with these complex subjects, which result in frustration and ultimately withdrawal from a course.

The need to learn a variety of programming languages, algorithms and data structures can trigger feelings of failure and stress for the student. For students who are not naturally inclined to Computer Science or do not have a solid foundation in the subject, this pressure can be especially high.

Another layer of complexity can be added by financial pressure. Expensive software, powerful computers and other online resources are often needed to obtain a CS degree. The resource demands of the program could make it difficult for students facing financial constraints to keep up.

Misalignment of Expectations and Misconceptions

A number of students are entering computer science programs with a distorted view of what this field is all about. Computer science is often considered in popular media as prestigious and simple, focusing on the success of technology entrepreneurs and software developers. The reality, however, is that it involves extensive problem solving, debugging, and long hours of coding, which can frustrate students who had expected a different experience.

A new student might enroll in a computer science course inspired by the idea of creating the next big social media app, only to find that the introductory courses are heavily focused on theory and basic programming concepts. Moreover, students underestimate the scope of subjects that they will have to study.

Although code is undoubtedly a fundamental component of C.S., it’s not just one thing. It is not expected of a CS student to just study one programming language. With languages such as Java, C++, functional programming and scripting languages such as Python, they need to learn Object Oriented Programming. In addition, it is essential to understand algorithms, data structures and operating systems. Each language is characterized by its own syntax, paradigms, and problem- solving approaches, which require constant adaptation and learning.

The student may be passionate about Web development, but he or she needs to learn C++ for System Programming, Java OOP concepts and assembly programming languages at the very least. It can be overwhelming and discouraging to experience such a broad, sometimes unpleasant range of exposures.

Lack of Interest and Passion

In any academic discipline, interest and passion are crucial components of success. Because of external pressures, such as parental expectations or the attraction of high salaries in the tech sector, many students may choose to study computer science, although not having a genuine interest. It then become difficult to endure the journey without having a strong intrinsic motivation.

You have to spend a lot of time debugging, learning about hardware and some pretty complicated maths. It can be very rigorous and stressful, which is why it is necessary to have a good understanding of this field before deciding to stick with it.

A student may enroll in a CS degree in a pursuit of a high paying career, only to find a lack of interest in programming and software development, which can lead to extreme disengagement and eventual dropout.

Inadequate Preparatory Education

Many students entering computer science majors may have not had adequate preparation instruction in high school. In secondary school, computer science, coding, and advanced mathematics courses are not widely available or required, leaving some students unprepared for the demands of a college level computer science curriculum.

A student from a high school without any subject related computer science classes might struggle to keep up with peers who had the chance to take advanced placement computer science or attend coding boot camps in high school.

Mental Health and Stress

The extensive workload and tasks given in universities can lead to stress and mental health problems. Constant tests, project deadlines, and a competitive environment can easily overwhelm kids, affecting their well-being and academic performance.

A student staying up late on a regular basis to complete programming tasks may experience burnout, which can lead to anxiety and despair, and may eventually decides to withdraw from the program.

Gender and Diversity Issues

Gender diversity and inclusion have been a problem for the tech sector for a long time. Women and underrepresented minorities in computer science programs often face additional challenges, such as a lack of role models, hidden prejudice, non-inclusive culture and other factors which can make them feel isolated and eventually leading them to drop out of the program.

In a predominantly male computer science class, female students may feel marginalized and unsupported, contributing to feelings of exclusion and the decision to move into another field.

Alternative Career Paths

As the tech industry continues to develop steadily, there are many alternative paths to enter into this field without a formal computer science degree. For students who may not be able to take advantage of a traditional academic environment, coding boot camp, Internet courses and self-paced training offer promising alternative routes.

A student who finds the systematic nature of a computer science curriculum tedious may choose a coding boot camp, which provides practical training and a faster path into the job market.

Strategies that might improve retention:

• In order to help students cope with the rigorous curriculum, universities should provide strong tutors, study groups and mentoring programs.
• Institutions should provide accurate information on the realities of career and training in computer science, which will help students to make informed choices.
• In order to make students more prepared for college level programs, high schools should include computer science education.
• In the provision of accessible mental health services and the promotion of a culture of well- being need to be ensured by universities.
• For all students, especially women and under-represented minorities, efforts should be made to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.