Abstract
This qualitative study explores the persistent challenges facing graduate students in contemporary higher education, where attrition rates remain at approximately fifty percent. Through analysis of graduate student narratives and existing literature, this research identifies key barriers to degree completion including financial constraints, mental health challenges, online learning isolation, work-life balance issues, and academic preparation gaps. The study presents findings from direct student perspectives and offers institutional recommendations for improving graduate student retention and success.
Keywords Graduate Student Attrition, Scholarly Writing, Persistence, Student Perspectives
Recommended Citation
Holmes, B., Willis, K., Borske, K., Haggerty@go.winona.edu, C., Gerke, J., Calabrese, K., Sawicki, D., Schimenz, M., & Parker, D. (2025). Behind the Degree: The Hidden Struggles of Graduate Student Life - A Qualitative Analysis of Student Perspectives. The Journal of Advancing Education Practice, 6(1). https://openriver.winona.edu/jaep/vol6/iss1/8
