Chronicle of Higher Education – Community college may seem like a cheap alternative to a traditional four-year education, but the cost of dropping out is not. Federal, state and local governments spend $1 billion annually in financial aid on students who drop out within one year. Only 20% of community college students receive their associate degree within 4 years. For more, read Community-College Dropouts Cost Taxpayers Nearly $1 Billion a Year, Report Says.

RSC reminds students of the personal cost of dropping out of college -- student loan debt repayments, lost income, and additioanl expenses for books, college fees, transportation, etc. Make sure you choose the right college for you to prevent losing all that time and money. Dropping out costs you and the taxpayer too much. Be college ready!