Gen Z freshmen increasingly return home to complete degrees online

A growing number of Generation Z students are leaving college campuses within the first weeks of the fall semester to complete their degrees via online programs. Fox News co-hosts discussed this trend on their "Outnumbered" segment, noting that many students prioritize obtaining a degree over the traditional "college experience." The shift is driven by various factors, including financial concerns, mental health struggles, and a desire to focus on academics in a less stressful environment.

The trend gained visibility through a viral TikTok posted by a 17-year-old student who left Southern University in Louisiana after two weeks in her first semester. The student returned home to Las Vegas, where she switched to the university’s online program rather than dropping out entirely. Her video highlighted a broader pattern of students opting for remote learning as an alternative to on-campus life, a move that has generated mixed reactions from online communities.

Online responses to the decision range from criticism to support. Some Facebook users urged students to endure the discomfort, with one commenting, "Y'all have to learn how to be uncomfortable." Others expressed understanding, stating that it is acceptable to feel anxious or stressed during the first year of college. Kaleigh McEnany, a co-host on "Outnumbered," shared her own experience of struggling to return to school after time spent at home, recalling that her mother pushed her to get on the plane despite her tears. McEnany noted that while the process was tough, she is glad she persisted.

Parents have also shared their perspectives on the issue, often through forums like Reddit. One parent described their son, a top high school student with anxiety who had a scholarship covering his first year, quitting college after one week. The parent expressed frustration over the financial investment in items like a car and laptop, while another user responded by asking for the son's specific reasons and suggesting they work around his concerns. Another parent shared that their daughter, who has social anxiety and struggles with public speaking, is managing her second week of college with some difficulty but is generally adapting well.

Some commenters argue that college serves as a maturity checkpoint and that not all young adults are ready for it immediately after high school. They suggest that working full time and paying bills can be a valid alternative path for those who need a break from academics. The "Outnumbered" segment also highlighted that many Gen Z members completed high school online during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced their comfort with remote learning.

A recent article in Psychology Today advised that students who leave college early need clear guidance upon returning home. A mental health counselor recommended that parents set clear boundaries regarding work, household responsibilities, health and wellness, and daily routines to support the transition.