The Hidden Cost of College

If you were asked how many years it takes to earn a Bachelor's Degree from college, you would probably say 4 years right? Unfortunately, if you go by the averages, you'd be off by 2 years. Those 2 extra years can cost you thousands of dollars.

It's No Longer "4-Year College"

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Education, the average time it takes to earn a Bachelor's Degree is now 6.2 years. Only 36% of those who begin public 4 year college graduate in 4 years!

Why is it taking longer? Research shows that there are a handful of key reasons:

Just Enough to Get By
Many students view college as an entitlement. They go to college not because they see value in it, but because it's what is expected. As a result, these students do just enough to get by. Without the motivation, direction, or focus, they take longer to graduate or ultimately, drop out.

Not Prepared
Many students simply aren't prepared for the academic challenge of college. Without planning early in their high school years, they opt out of the more challenging classes that would have prepared them for college. As a result, when they reach college, they need remedial courses to catch up.

"I'll Decide Later"
Some students don't take the time to think through what they'll do after they graduate. Without some idea of their interests and aspirations, they find it easier to postpone decisions about their future. College becomes a comfortable place to hangout until they decide.

Transfers
Studies have shown that students who transfer from one college to another (even once), typically take longer to graduate.

Changing Majors
It is not at all unusual for college students to change their majors. But the further a student is into their college experience, the greater impact changing majors can have on meeting graduation requirements.

Working Their Way Through College
With today's high cost of college, many students are having to work their way through school. Juggling the demands of both school and a job can delay graduation.

The Cost of Delayed Graduation

Based on data from The College Board's 2006-07 Annual Survey of Colleges, if a student takes 6 years to graduate, the cost difference could be anywhere from $33,000 to $67,000 more than planned! The data shows that the average cost of attending a 4-year college including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies is:

Public In-State:
4 Years: $65,428
6 Years: $98,142
Difference: $32,714

4-Year Public Out-of-State:
4 Years: $105,216
6 Years: $157,824
Difference: $52,608

4-Year Private College:
4 Years: $133,204
6 Years: $199,806
Difference: $66,602

Don't Pay More Than You Have To

Many factors such as financial aid will determine what you'll actually pay for college. But why spend any more money than you have to? If you focus on the things that you can control to insure on-time graduation, college doesn't have to be a 6 year journey.

Step 1:
Increase Self-Knowledge. The more a student knows about his/her own interests, strengths, and aspirations, the easier it is to focus and direct one's educational path.

Step 2:
Plan Ahead. By taking advanced placement classes in high school, students accomplish two things. First, they increase their chances of getting accepted to the college of their choice. And second, they can actually "place out" of college level classes which can accelerate earning a degree.

Step 3:
Get Guidance. College is a big investment. Getting advice from someone trained in education and career guidance can save you time and money. Guidance can replace guesswork with a planned approach to deciding which college to attend, what to major in, and how to align an education with best-fit career options.

Brian Sanders is President and CEO of [http://www.clearambition.com/students.aspx]Clear Ambition, an online program that helps people make better, more confident decisions about their life direction and career path. Find more information about [http://www.clearambition.com/guidance.aspx]education and career guidance or [http://www.clearambition.com/default.aspx]take a free interest analysis.

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