Financial Strain Tops Barriers to College Success

Administrators say aid gaps and work-hour pressure hold students back more than mental health or academic preparation.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Financial Aid

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a column of brass coins leaning against a leather backpack strap on a cream surface, evoking money pressure on students. — Survey of 271 student success administrators finds financial aid gaps and long work hours are the top barrier to students finishing college, cited by 72 percent. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Inside Higher Ed and Hanover Research released the third annual Survey of College and University Student Success Administrators on November 12, 2026. The survey of 271 student success leaders found that insufficient financial aid or long work hours to cover living costs is the leading challenge to students' academic success and persistence, cited by 72 percent of respondents.

Why it matters

The findings point to money and living costs as the most common barrier between students and a degree, ahead of mental health and academic preparation. Only 31 percent of administrators say postgraduate outcomes information is easily accessible through official channels, up from 24 percent in 2025.

Of 271 student success leaders surveyed, 72 percent named insufficient financial aid or long work hours to cover living costs as the top barrier, and 33 percent cited basic needs insecurity. Among community college leaders, 65 percent cited basic needs insecurity, compared with 67 percent who cited financial constraints.

The players

Inside Higher Ed

A higher-education news publication that covers college affairs, policy, and student success for administrators and faculty.

Hanover Research

A research firm that conducted the survey fieldwork for the student success administrator study.

The details

Student success administrators, most working in executive-level student affairs at public and private nonprofit institutions, were asked to identify what gets in the way of students finishing their programs. When financial aid falls short or students must work long hours to cover living costs, they may struggle to stay enrolled, and administrators ranked this above mental health challenges and gaps in academic preparation. The survey was fielded between August 22 and October 5, 2026, and asked administrators to rate how well their institutions prepare students for work, including experiential learning and articulating skills to employers.

2025: Prior survey year in which 24 percent of administrators said postgraduate outcomes information was accessible.
August 22 to October 5, 2026: Survey fielded with Hanover Research.
November 12, 2026: Survey findings published by Inside Higher Ed.

Education Landscape

This third annual survey tracks how student success leaders view the barriers facing students, with financial strain ranking above mental health and preparation gaps. The year-over-year comparison on postgraduate outcomes information shows modest movement from 24 percent in 2025 to 31 percent in 2026.

If living costs or aid gaps are affecting your enrollment, the school's financial-aid office is the right place to ask about options for your situation. Ask admissions or career services what postgraduate outcome data your institution publishes, since the survey found that access to that information remains limited.

The takeaway

Financial strain, not just academics, is the barrier student success leaders see most often, so budgeting for living costs matters as much as tuition. Before enrolling, ask your financial-aid office whether your aid package covers housing and food and what outcome data your school publishes.