Highest Dropout Rates: Which Major Tops the List?

• Myles Farfield
• 0 Comments

Ever hear someone say, “Don’t pick engineering, no one makes it out alive”? Turns out, there’s some truth to that. When it comes to dropout rates, certain college majors—especially engineering and computer science—are head and shoulders above the rest. National surveys from the past year put computer science and engineering at the very top for the highest dropout rates, with over 35% of students quitting before they get their diplomas. That’s higher than most other majors, beating even notoriously tough subjects like pre-med or physics.

The big reason? These majors are loaded with competitive exams, heavy workloads, and mountains of math. If you’re gunning for a spot in tech or engineering, you aren’t just fighting tough material. You’re also up against some of the sharpest minds in the room, which can get overwhelming fast. And with courses often graded on a curve, one tough semester can seriously knock your confidence—or your GPA.

• Toughest Majors by Dropout Rate
• Why Students Leave: Common Triggers
• How Exams and Course Structure Play a Role
• Tips to Survive and Succeed

Toughest Majors by Dropout Rate

If you check out dropout numbers, computer science usually lands at the top. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than a third of students in this major quit before they graduate. Close behind is engineering—fields like mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering drop over 30% of their starters somewhere along the way. These aren’t guesses; these numbers are from university data pulled in 2024, so it’s not old news.

Why are these majors so brutal? For one, classes stack up fast. In your first semester, you might get buried under calculus, physics, and programming. There's barely time to breathe, let alone retake a class if you fall behind. As a dad to Gideon, I honestly get why so many students drop, especially when homework and endless lab reports eat up all your nights.

Next, there’s the pressure of high-stakes tests. Big engineering or computer science programs often set tough exams as “gatekeepers.” Google “weed out classes” and you’ll see horror stories—intro to algorithms, circuits, or thermodynamics can average fail rates of 40% or more at major schools. If you don’t pass the big exams, you can’t move forward, so students either switch majors or head home.

But these two aren’t the only high-risk options. Majors dealing with advanced math, like physics and architecture, also make the top of the dropout charts. Even economics and biology can surprise you with their tough first-year courses. The pattern is clear: high expectations, lots of competition, and a mountain of tests—perfect recipe for high dropout rates.

Why Students Leave: Common Triggers

So, what’s really driving so many people out of majors like engineering and computer science? It’s never just one thing. Most dropouts mention a mix of factors, and some of them are way more common than others. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect—or watch out for.

• Overwhelming Workload: These majors pile on projects, labs, and assignments. It’s not just about memorizing stuff; you’re building things, fixing bugs, or solving problems that take real brainpower—and a ton of time.
• Lack of Preparation: High school might not have prepared you for the jump. If your math or coding basics are shaky, the first year can feel like drowning.
• Tough Grading and Competitive Exams: Professors often grade on a curve, and midterms or finals can make or break you. Some people get stuck retaking core classes, which can be discouraging and expensive.
• Mental Health Strain: Stress, burnout, and social isolation are way too common. It’s easy to feel alone when you’re grinding every night just to keep up.
• Bad Advice or Wrong Expectations: Some folks sign up thinking these majors are a straight shot to big salaries, but get blindsided when the reality is much tougher than they heard.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, majors hit hardest by dropout are also some of the most demanding:

Notice how highest dropout rate majors all share the same pain points? Recognizing these triggers ahead of time gives you a leg up if you’re thinking about sticking it out—or helps you pivot early if something’s not clicking. It’s better to rethink your path than battle burnout every semester.

How Exams and Course Structure Play a Role

If you check out the highest dropout rate majors, you’ll spot a trend: brutal exams and wild course setups that trip up even the most hard-working students. Think weekly graded problem sets, non-stop quizzes, and that dreaded “weed-out” course every upperclassman warns you about. Engineering and computer science are infamous for this. The intro classes often act as a filter—the goal isn’t just to teach, but to see who can keep up with the breakneck pace.

One major pain point is the "curved" grading system. In big required courses, your grade depends on your performance compared to everyone else. That means even if you score 80% on an exam, you could end up with a C if class averages are soaring. For a lot of students used to high school A’s, that’s a total shock. Here’s what Dr. Melanie Adams, a professor at a large state university, says about it:

"It’s not that students are lazy or unprepared—it's the non-stop pressure and the curve that wears people down. Many talented students drop out not for lack of trying, but because the structure favors a small handful who thrive in high-stress situations."

Let’s look at some hard numbers. In a 2024 survey that compared major dropout rates due to course structure and exam pressure, the top majors looked like this:

This setup hits students right where it hurts—motivation and self-confidence. For example, a lot of engineering programs don’t allow students to move on unless they pass certain “gatekeeper” exams with a B or better. If you fail once or twice, you’re out. Computer science isn’t much better, with a ton of schools using weed-out CS101 classes that demand students code, debug, and finish projects under tight deadlines without much support.

So what helps students make it through? Schools that offer strong tutoring, clear study guides, and straightforward grading see better retention. If you’re eyeing a high-dropout major, look for programs that back you up instead of just testing you non-stop.

Tips to Survive and Succeed

It’s no secret: sticking with the highest dropout rate majors takes more grit and strategy than most. But plenty of people do make it through and land great jobs, so don’t let the numbers freak you out. Here’s what really helps when you’re facing those killer exams and marathon projects.

• Use campus support early. Colleges actually want you to graduate, so grab every resource they offer. Drop by tutoring centers before you’re struggling. Most engineering and computer science departments even set up help sessions just for first-year students—take advantage of those.
• Find a study group. It’s easier to handle confusing material with a crew. When you see classmates organizing for group projects or exam prep, jump in. You’ll get fresh explanations and probably catch stuff you missed on your own. Not to mention, you feel less alone when everyone’s pulling late nights together.
• Pace your workload. Some people burn out because they stack up all the hardest classes in one semester. Seriously, talk to upperclassmen or an advisor about what combos are too brutal. Spacing out core requirements gives you breathing room between tough stretches.
• Practice self-testing. Don’t just read notes or watch videos—test yourself every week under timed conditions, kind of like how the real exams go. Research shows retrieval practice boosts memory and exam performance way more than just reviewing material passively.
• Watch for warning signs of burnout. If you start skipping meals, can’t sleep, or feel hopeless, it’s time to tap the brakes. Start by talking to someone—a friend, family member, or campus counselor. Taking care of your health isn’t a luxury; it’s the only way you’ll finish strong.

Students who survive (and even thrive) in high-dropout majors usually keep a flexible mindset. Your first test bomb doesn't mean you’re not cut out for this. Adjust, ask for help, and remember: finishing is about progress, not perfection.