Why Don’t Students Stick with STEM Degrees? Understanding the Challenges and a Smarter Way Forward

There’s no question that STEM degrees open doors. They lead to higher-paying jobs, in-demand careers, and exciting innovations that shape our world. And yet, a large number of students who start in STEM fields don’t finish with a STEM degree. It’s a pattern that’s been apparent for years, and recent numbers show it’s still a challenge.

In fact, fewer than 40% of students who declare a STEM major graduate with one (Stevens Institute of Technology). And it starts even earlier: only 20% of U.S. high school graduates are considered ready for college-level STEM coursework. This means a large portion of students enter university already at a disadvantage. When early STEM courses feel overwhelming or disconnected from real-life goals, it’s not surprising that many students choose a different path or drop out altogether.

So, what’s causing STEM degree drop-off?

Several key makers  show up in student feedback and research:

• Math Anxiety and Knowledge Gaps
  Many students enter college with lingering gaps in math and a fear of the subject that holds them back. Math anxiety, often caused by years of negative experiences, can make it hard to stay engaged, especially when STEM courses dive into advanced material from day one. When students feel unprepared and overwhelmed, it’s easy to fall behind.
  If you’d like to learn more about the impact of math anxiety and how to address it, this blog offers helpful insight.
• Heavy Workloads and “Weed Out” Courses
  STEM degrees often start with intense, high-pressure courses. Without the right support, these early experiences can feel discouraging.
• Lack of Real-Time Feedback
  When students don’t get timely feedback, they can’t learn from their mistakes. Waiting until after an exam to know what went wrong leads to missed learning opportunities.
• Disconnected from Real-World Application
  Some students lose interest when coursework feels too abstract. If they don’t see how their studies connect to future careers or problems they care about, motivation drops.

What’s the solution?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, research points to a few effective strategies that can improve STEM retention and confidence:

• Offer Readiness Assessments and Early Support
  Give students the chance to identify and address knowledge gaps before jumping into complex material. Pre-semester assessments and prep modules can make a big difference.
  If you’re curious how this approach works in practice, check out our blog on bridging the math gap—a closer look at how targeted support helps students build confidence before day one.
  
• Embed Active and Personalized Learning
  Learning that adapts to a student’s pace, and includes real-time feedback, can boost engagement and help prevent falling behind. In fact, active learning in STEM has been linked to higher success rates, especially for underrepresented groups (arXiv study).
• Incorporate Real-World Problems
  Showing students how their course lessons or concepts  connect to real issues or industries they care about helps keep them motivated and focused.
• Build a Culture of Belonging
  Supportive peer networks, accessible mentors, and inclusive teaching practices go a long way in helping all students feel like they belong in STEM.

This is where Möbius comes in—designed specifically to support math and STEM learning at every level. It’s not just a learning tool; it’s a smart companion that helps students build confidence, stay engaged, and move forward in their academic journey.

Here’s how Möbius supports the strategies above:

• Diagnostic Assessments for Math Readiness
  Möbius helps identify where students are struggling and guides them to targeted practice, even before the semester starts.
• Interactive, Algorithmic Questions
  Every student gets a different version of each question, so they can practice without memorizing to develop real understanding.
• Real-Time Feedback
  Instead of waiting for posted grades, students can get immediate explanations and hints that help them learn in the moment.
• Visualizations and Simulations
  Complex STEM concepts become clearer with visuals and interactive simulations—perfect for hands-on, digital learners.
• Personalized Learning Paths
  Möbius adapts to different student needs, letting them move at their own pace without compromising progress.

And, when it comes to preparing students before classes begin, Möbius offers two targeted solutions that help reduce drop-off rates by setting learners up for success from the start:

1- Möbius MAA Placement Test Suite

Used by hundreds of colleges and universities, this solution helps institutions accurately place students into the right math course. The Möbius MAA Placement Test Suite offers a validated, research-based approach to placement, minimizing the chances of underplacement or overplacement. Students are matched with courses where they can succeed—and that leads to better outcomes and stronger confidence.

Learn more: Möbius MAA Placement Test Suite

2- Möbius Math Readiness Solution

This solution is built to bridge the gap between high school and college-level math. Students complete a short diagnostic assessment, and then get a personalized path of short, focused lessons that target exactly where they need improvement. It’s self-paced, stress-free, and gives students the boost they need to walk into their first STEM class feeling prepared—not panicked.

Learn more: Math Readiness Solution