Seoul National University recorded its highest number of dropouts in three years during the 2024 academic year, driven by students seeking admission to medical schools.
According to data released by Seoul National University on the 10th, 429 students (1.98%) withdrew from the university out of 21,671 enrolled students in the 2024 academic year. This means roughly 2 out of every 100 students dropped out. The figure marks an increase from 328 students (1.54%) in 2022 and 366 students (1.5%) in 2023.
By college, the School of Transdisciplinary Innovations posted the highest dropout rate at 10.48%, with 24 of 229 students withdrawing. The College of Nursing followed at 7.9% (26 of 329 students), the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at 4.38% (83 of 1,895 students), the College of Natural Sciences at 2.4% (40 of 1,664 students), and the College of Engineering at 2.36% (127 of 5,372 students).
Analysts attribute the rising dropout rate to growing preference for medical schools. "Most students who give up Seoul National University are aiming for medical school admission," said Sung-ho Lim, CEO of Jongro Academy. "When the regional doctor system is introduced starting in the 2027 academic year, preference for medical schools could intensify further, potentially increasing the number of dropouts."
