NEW YORK (Xinhua) -- One-third of all college students in the United States have considered dropping out within the past six months, United Press International reported, citing a survey conducted by Lumina and Gallup.

About 32 percent of bachelor's degree students reported that they had considered dropping out for at least one semester; Forty-one percent of associate degree students have considered taking a break in the past six months, according to the State of Higher Education 2022 report.

"Emotional stress caused by COVID-19, the cost of tuition and challenging coursework were the three most common reasons why students considered taking a break," United Press International said in its report on the survey.

She noted that colleges are now adding mental health counseling to existing academic assistance, noting that virtual classes, which have quickly become a necessity during the pandemic, make education accessible to students who need a break.

"Many schools offer de-stress activities to reduce anxiety before midterm and final exams," she added.