The Persistent Problem of Undergraduate Student Attrition in STEM

Despite burgeoning federal funding, expanding educational research, and mitigating efforts, undergraduate STEM programs in the United States and globally continue to grapple with persistently high rates of student attrition. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes recent empirical research to better understand the underlying factors contributing to this ongoing challenge and to inform future directions for both research and practice. Our analysis identified several key trends. First, most attrition in STEM occurs within the first two years of study, particularly during enrollment in high-stakes “gateway” or “weed-out” courses that often act as barriers to progression. Second, student attrition is not solely a function of academic ability but is strongly influenced by a combination of academic performance (particularly poor grades), social dynamics (such as sense of belonging, perceived support from and trust in instructors, and experiences of alienation), and personal psychological factors (including interest in the subject, academic motivation, self-efficacy, identity development, and the presence or absence of a growth mindset). Third, the literature consistently highlights three intervention strategies as particularly effective in promoting student retention and success: peer mentoring, undergraduate research experiences (UREs), and supplemental instruction or tutoring programs. Additionally, our review underscores critical gaps in the existing research. Notably, much of the current scholarship is heavily centered on U.S. educational settings, with limited empirical exploration in international contexts, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and parts of Europe. Another area requiring further investigation is faculty training and preparation to support diverse student populations effectively. Based on this synthesis of current findings, we argue that interventions aimed at reducing attrition must go beyond merely encouraging students to persist; they must also be designed to foster student thriving and flourishing. This requires a holistic, multi-level approach that considers the interplay of micro-level (individual and interpersonal), meso-level (institutional and community), and macro-level (societal and cultural) factors that shape student experiences in STEM disciplines across different national contexts.