1 in 8 Students Are Skipping College Due to Stress

The college application process is one of the most high-stakes endeavors a high schooler can undergo. In addition to the ever-heightened academic and financial burdens, the competition to get into the “right” schools can make everything feel overwhelming.

For this reason, many teens say they’re simply forgoing college altogether.

A College Rover Study says nearly 13% (one in eight) of prospective college applicants abandoned their plans due to application stress. Almost one in four students attend therapy to cope with application-related anxiety. And some potential applicants (37%) even watch short-form videos on TikTok to manage college application stress.

What These Numbers Mean Big-Picture

Bill Townsend, founder and CEO of College Rover, who conducted the study tells Parents, “Our findings highlight some important shifts in college enrollment. The fact that one in eight students gave up on college because of application stress shows that the admissions process is becoming a barrier.”

He also notes large numbers of students ditching the college application process is an issue for everyone. “In 2028, the number of students will decline by 15% (a result of the 2010 financial crisis and lower birth rates). Colleges need to make the process of applying easier and more straightforward.”

One of several potential consequences to students forgoing college is labor shortages in everything from health care to information technology. It also could mean lower lifetime earnings for those who do not get a bachelor’s degree.

One older study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that people with bachelor’s degrees make 84% more over a lifetime than those with only a high school diploma.

Skipping college also could lead to more challenges in finding a job, as Georgetown researchers project by 2031, 72% of all U.S. jobs will go to workers with some education beyond high school and 85% of jobs that pay at least $38,000 yearly will go to those with a degree.

“Years ago, a college degree almost guaranteed a great-paying job,” says Townsend. “With the advent of technology, including PCs and SmartPhones, the number of white-collar jobs in many industries has been dramatically reduced. That trend will continue with the adoption of AI in the workplace. With only one in four students feeling very prepared, it’s clear that early planning and support can go a long way in easing stress and building confidence.”

Signs Your Child May Be Overwhelmed by the College Application Process

Stress can manifest in several ways including either avoidance or hyper vigilance, says Adam Miller, MA, vice president for admission and financial aid at Whitman College. “Students may evade questions about the colleges they’re considering, their progress on applications, and the communication they’re receiving from colleges—telltale signs of avoidant behavior.”

Other potential signs include:

• trying to control every aspect of the process
• fixating on every little detail of the process
• resisting campus visits or having emotional outbursts when college is mentioned
• procrastination with components of the process
• reluctance to discuss future college plans

Sohne-Johnston calls emotional outbursts in this context, “a self-protection mechanism, especially for students who haven’t had a wealth of life experience in the way that the adults in their life have to be able to manage the stress.”

Shaan Patel, MD, MBA, author, founder, and CEO of Prep Expert, adds, “It’s crucial to respond with empathy and practical support—rather than adding pressure—when these signs surface.”

Alleviating Financial Stress

According to the College Rover study, 62% of prospective college students say the cost of college is their biggest stressor during the application process.

“College costs keep climbing, and with student debt at record highs, affordability is a major concern,” observes Townsend. “A lot of students are hesitant to take on massive debt without a clear career path, which only adds to the stress. The financial aid process can also be confusing, and not everyone gets enough support to make college feel like a realistic option.”

Parents can help alleviate some of this by:

• Using tools like net price calculators: “[These tools] will allow you to make different decisions if you know early on you will or will not qualify for significant aid, such as limiting your search to only in-state schools or looking into merit scholarships,” says Sohne-Johnston.
• Contacting financial aid offices directly: “Transparency with your child about your family’s financial situation can also help set realistic expectations and reduce anxiety,” says Sohne-Johnston. “I also don’t want to understate how important a school counselor is in the process.”
• Pursuing cost-conscious planning: Apply to a variety of schools, including in-state public universities, which often come with lower tuition. “Through transparent budgeting and focused research, families can proactively address financial concerns and lighten the burden on students,” Dr. Patel says.

Sohne-Johnston says colleges and universities have more aid available earlier in the cycle, so take advantage of early decision deadlines.

“Think of it as the bucket of dollars they can provide is 100% full. If you wait until the regular decision deadline, their bucket may only be one-half or one-third full, so they have fewer resources to provide you.”

Other Ways to De-escalate the Process

• Limit college discussions at home: “This constant focus [on college] can add pressure as our children want to avoid disappointing us, says Sohne-Johnston. “For families with ninth graders, for instance, you may limit college discussions to a few times a year. For seniors, perhaps designate one day a week to talk about it.”
• Balance academics with other responsibilities: “Having responsibilities outside of themselves [like chores] helps ground students and puts the college process in perspective,” Sohne-Johnston adds.
• Focus on importance, not urgency: “It’s also important to embrace the college search process as an opportunity to walk with your child through an important coming-of-age moment,” says Miller, adding that helping to process weighty topics by listening and reflecting is healthy.

Starting the Application Process Early May Also Help

According to Stacey Ross Cohen, author of Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World, college admissions have changed dramatically, requiring students to go far beyond grades and test scores.

“In today’s holistic and highly competitive landscape, standing out isn’t optional—it’s essential,” says Cohen. “This shift adds significant stress for both students and parents.”

She says the best way to navigate this challenge is to start early—ideally by sophomore year. “The best applications reflect years of thoughtful experiences, not last-minute efforts. Early preparation helps ease anxiety and sets the foundation for a strong, standout application.”

She also encourages students to build a strong digital presence, refine their unique stories, and gain real-world experience. “Break the process into manageable steps instead of cramming applications into senior year. Normalize setbacks and emphasize progress over perfection. Most importantly, create a supportive, pressure-free environment where your child feels empowered, not overwhelmed.”