These days, most students require more than four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Here are twelve reasons undergraduate students don’t “finish in four.”

• Changing majors: Research indicates that 80% of students change their major at least once during college. Changing majors typically means losing non-transferable credits and adding extra time to complete the new degree requirements.
• Transferring Schools: It is common for credits to get lost in the transfer process, adding one or more semesters to the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges may be hesitant to accept transfer credits from other institutions.
• Lack of a Career Plan: When college was relatively cheap and few students matriculated, it was common for parents to send their offspring to the halls of higher learning to “find themselves” or to “learn how to learn.” Today, with the fierce competition for a well-paying professional job and the skyrocketing cost of a university degree, matriculating without a career plan no longer makes sense.
• Employment: Over 40% of full-time students and 81% of part-time students are employed while in school.
• Time Off: Students may take time off for various reasons, e.g. earning money for school, personal growth, professional growth, family obligations or burnout.
• Unpreparedness: Students may not be fully prepared for the demands of college, leading to academic struggles and the need to retake courses. Twenty-five percent of freshmen need remedial classes.
• Poor Academic Planning: Some students may not have a clear plan for their major or course selection, which can lead to taking unnecessary courses. Some courses have prerequisites that must be met before a student can take them.
• Inadequate Advising: Lack of effective advising can make it difficult for students to plan their coursework and navigate the academic system.
• Limited Course Availability: Institutions may not offer enough sections of required courses, making it difficult for students to complete their degree requirements on time.
• Attending part-time: An estimated 12% of undergraduates are enrolled in school part-time.
• Health Problems: Physical illness, injury, or mental health issues can increase the time it takes for a student to graduate.
• Party Hearty: Partying is fun. A huge wave of freedom slaps college students, especially freshmen, in the face right as their parents drop them off. Even if students are tired because of staying out late, no one is going to tell them to get up for that eight o’clock class or to do their homework. Carried too far, partying can impact how long it takes to graduate.

College is really expensive. If you need a fifth year, that can break the bank due to inflation and opportunity cost.