As the saying goes, “College is the best four years of your life,” but it’s taking longer than that for many students to complete their undergraduate degrees. Between the pressure for students to stack their resumes with activities outside the classroom and the struggle to enroll in the basic required courses, graduating in four years has become a daunting and expensive task.
Over the past 10 years, the number of fifth-year students at the University of Mississippi has slowly decreased. The class of 2024, however, has 150 more fifth-year graduates than the class of 2023.
According to University Marketing and Communications, first-time, full-time students graduate in 4.5 years, on average. For degrees designed to be completed in four years, students have access to a degree sheet that plots exactly which courses they need to take to complete their major in four years, from their first semester as a freshman through their senior year.
So, what are the factors working against students completing their degrees in four years?
Sophomore pre-nursing major Michaela Michaelis said that with the growing student population, registering for the classes she needs is becoming more problematic.
In the past couple of years, Ole Miss has admitted record-breaking numbers of first-year students.
“Many classes that I need to take are at the same time or are completely full by the time my registration window opens,” Michaelis said. “I have classes that are prerequisites of others, and I cannot take them because of this, making it so hard to book a full schedule of courses.” Advisers often cannot do much about her situation, Michaelis said.
Pamela Norwood, one of two academic advisers in the Criminal Justice and Legal Studies programs, shared her perspective on the issue.
“I think there are a combination of things that often interfere with those plans,” Norwood said. “Socioeconomic status, time management and failure to set goals are among contributors that we often encounter with our students.”
Many students elect to take summer and winter intersession courses as a way to keep on track. Norwood said she views taking intersession courses as “a means of students being intentional about their goals” and being able to accomplish them in a 4-year period.
Melissa Bass is an associate professor and undergraduate coordinator in the Department of Public Policy Leadership, where on average students finish their degrees in 3.97 years — faster than the university average.
“Quite a few students take winter intersession and/or summer classes — some because they need to, others to open up space for a semester in D.C., study abroad or to add a second major or minor,” Bass said.
While taking intersession classes or spending an extra semester in an undergraduate program may not seem like a major problem, for many students, funding a degree in higher education is not feasible without the help of scholarships — scholarships that may not cover the extra costs associated with intersession courses or extra time at school.
University Marketing and Communications explained that most university scholarships cover up to four years of college, so students having to tack on extra semesters must pay the full tuition price.
Dallas Kiner, a fifth-year psychology major, found a loophole.
“I have a choir scholarship that I will get as long as I am enrolled at the University of Mississippi and sing in the chorus,” Kiner said.
Both choice of major and arriving at UM with university credits already under your belt seem to enhance a student’s ability to complete a program in four years.
“Full-time students without pre-college credits complete a degree in Public Policy Leadership in 3.97 years and a degree in General University Studies in 6.85 years,” Jacob Batte, director of news and media relations for UMC said. “Students with pre-college credits complete a degree in French in 3.5 years and General University Studies in 6.33 years.”
According to the Office of General Studies website, the Bachelor of University Studies program is an alternative degree track for people unable to complete the typical four-year degree program.
Experts on the subject offer various explanations as to why students nationwide may not graduate within four years. Many cite a lack of student assistance.
“The ability to accommodate student needs is one reason that graduation rates are significantly higher at elite schools,” Abigail Hess said in a CNBC Definitive Guide to College Article.
However, Bob Neuman, former associate dean of academic advising at Marquette University, told USA Today that students are not taking advantage of their advisers.
“Whether your grades are high, medium or low, talking with an adviser is helpful,” Neuman said.
Although there are numerous obstacles, only about 4.5% of undergraduate students are in their fifth year or more. So, to those still wanting “the best four years of their life,” it may still be possible, as the university is actively trying to improve support and resources for students.
“The university offers degree sheets for each program to help students plot their course to graduation and has invested in more advisers to help students navigate their course load,” UM Provost Noel Wilkin said. “Thanks to the hard work of our faculty and staff, our retention and graduation rates are the highest in the state and higher than the national average.”
According to the U.S Department of Education, 66% of UM students graduate within eight years of entering the school for the first time.
UM provides resources to students who are struggling with time management and goal setting. There are also a number of academic support options, including weekly workshops that are also available online, academic consultations and resources like the math lab and the writing center.
