As you say, retention is very difficult with all of the outside things going on. That identifies the problem. Jobs depend on solving the problem. What are some solutions?
I kind of understand how the expectation of the instructor can be very high until that first few classes until he/she knows exatly is going to make up the class. I seem to see students first at our institution that seems like they come in "un settled" and what I mean by that they do not have the personal things going on in their lives in check while school starts and the ones that do not have that out side factor control are the ones that are dropping out even making it hard to call them to try to help them over the rough spot. Retention is very difficult with all of the outside things going on.
The problem you describe isn't unique to private, post-secondary education. Virtually all of higher ed struggles with the level of preparation of their students. Third and fourth tier private, liberal arts colleges and community colleges [which usually have an open admission policy] are particularly effected.
This issues isn't going to go away until the K-12 system changes. Does you school visit high schools to help the students and faculty understand the level of skills necessary to succeed at your school? Are you active with career related societies or clubs that try to engage HS students with the competencies in your field?
In the meantime, we have to play the hand we are dealt.
