Even Longer To Graduate From State Colleges and Universities!? How Can This Be?

In 2007, the average public university student took more than six years to graduate (U.S. News & World Report, November 5, 2007). Taking six years to earn a Bachelor’s degree will cost students a lot more than just time; there’s the monetary cost of two additional years of tuition, housing, and miscellaneous expenses, plus the opportunity costs associated with lost income from not working full time.

Similarly, in December 2007, Inside Higher Ed reported statistics provided by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities indicate, “. . . nearly 80 percent of students at private colleges who finish graduate in four years, compared to about 50 percent at public institutions.”

In 2009-2010, many public colleges and universities will experience 7-to-10 percent budget cuts, cuts that will lead to larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and either layoffs or furloughs for faculty and staff. This will result in fewer opportunities for college freshman to graduate in 4-to-6 years, possibly extending graduation by an extra semester or two, and preventing students from entering the workforce by an additional 6-to-12 months.

Consequently, students should never rule out applying to private colleges and universities. This is particularly true in these difficult economic times, especially in consideration of extended graduation times at public schools and the greater potential for private schools to award significant scholarships and grants. These facts should give strong motivation for students to apply to private schools (as well as desired public colleges and universities).

My advice: When choosing a college, don’t only calculate your out-of-pocket expenses for four years of attendance, but consider the number of years it takes the average student to graduate from each college and the potential for each college to award financial aid.

For more information visit MyCollegeCalendar.org