This study seeks reasons for dropout from an urban basic education program for paraprofessional health care workers in which the retention rate was 47%. Demographics, students' perceptions of the program, and reasons given by dropouts for early departure were compared across four groups: Completers, Non-Completers, Leavers, and Non-Attenders, the last two of which are often overlooked in the literature. The groups differed significantly in terms of previous college experience, attainment of education goal, judgment of instructional level, and perceived usefulness of instructional materials. The Non-Completers and Leavers stated similar reasons for early departure, except where family matters were concerned.
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