Picture this: you're back in your hometown for the weekend seeing long time family and friends. You're doing great, feeling on top of your game, and then someone asks you the question: "How was graduation? What are you up to now?" The bubble you were riding on instantly pops, and you're reminded that you didn't act fast enough. You have to tell yet another person who doesn't know that you're a fifth year student, and instantly, you've opened yourself up to ridicule and judgment, just by being honest.
If you aren't one, then chances are you know someone who is, but the reality is that more and more college students are taking longer than the standard four years to graduate with their Bachelor's degree.
Did you know according to the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences and the National Center for Education Statistics, that 58 percent of students take six years to complete their Bachelor's degree at a four-year granting school? Of course there are a number of factors that can contribute to these statistics, like private schools versus public schools, non-profit versus profit schools, what the students are majoring in and even student's genders and ages, but the fact of the matter is that a majority of students are taking longer than the "standard" four years to graduate! You can check out those statistics and more here.
So, why is there a stigma against those who take longer? Does it really make a difference if you graduate at age 21 over 22 or 23 years old? In my opinion, there's no difference at all.
I'm a student who is taking five years to graduate. In the middle of my junior year, I medically withdrew for mental health reasons (shout out to my other anxiety-suffering students!) and then decided to change my major from theater to journalism. That time off, as well as losing those credits, led me to a fifth year at my four-year degree granting private institution. Does that make me dumber than someone who graduated in four years? Not at all. Does it mean I partied too hard, or didn't try hard enough? That couldn't be further from the truth, in my case at least.
There are hundreds of reasons why someone could be taking extra time to graduate. Maybe they started their college career at a community or county school to help save money. Maybe they took time off for a personal issue. Maybe they changed their major. Maybe they studied abroad, or did an off-campus internship or field work. The bottom line is that there is no way to know every student's journey, and that as a society we are in no place to judge them.
In today's fast paced world, it's almost expected that everyone have at least a Bachelor's degree. That alone can cause enough pressure on people to struggle in school whether it be emotionally, academically, or financially. With the tuition of four-year institutions constantly on the rise as well as the job market just beginning to rebound, it's no wonder why students would take their investments seriously and make sure that what they're doing in college is right for them.
So, if you are one of those students like me, who move just a tad bit slower sometimes, this one is for you. I know you are not dumb, or lazy, or not trying hard enough, and please don't let anyone else ever tell you otherwise. And if you're one of those more fortunate enough to move along quicker in your education, remember to be mindful of those who aren't, and when you see that familiar face on campus for an extra year or two, don't judge them or wonder what's wrong, be happy you get to see them yet again.
