stop-out

Definition

A student who temporarily leaves college with intention to return, as opposed to dropping out permanently. It's the polite term for academic limbo, distinguishing intentional breaks from giving up.

Example Usage

Financial difficulties forced him to stop-out for two years, but he returned to complete his degree once his situation stabilized.

Origin

Student retention terminology from the late 20th century

Fun Fact

Stop-out rates have increased as the traditional straight-through college path becomes less common, though universities still design systems assuming uninterrupted four-year progressions.

Source: Student retention and completion research

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cbfa

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