"Most freshmen need more than four years"

[retired711]

This Philadelphia Inquirer story contains quotes suggesting that the problem is that students take long breaks from school and need a long while to identify their preferred path. Are today's students more likely to need these breaks than past students? (just asking) Isn't part of the problem that, as resources diminish, universities are less inclined to offer the courses needed to graduate on time?

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20140922_Class_of_20___Most_freshman_need_more_than_four_years.html

 

[Upstream]

Originally posted by camdenlawprof:
This Philadelphia Inquirer story contains quotes suggesting that the problem is that students take long breaks from school and need a long while to identify their preferred path. Are today's students more likely to need these breaks than past students? (just asking) Isn't part of the problem that, as resources diminish, universities are less inclined to offer the courses needed to graduate on time?

Is there any empirical evidence that it is more difficult today to take the courses needed to graduate in 4 years than it was 30 years ago?

 

[MoobyCow]

Originally posted by Upstream:

Originally posted by camdenlawprof:
This Philadelphia Inquirer story contains quotes suggesting that the problem is that students take long breaks from school and need a long while to identify their preferred path. Are today's students more likely to need these breaks than past students? (just asking) Isn't part of the problem that, as resources diminish, universities are less inclined to offer the courses needed to graduate on time?

Is there any empirical evidence that it is more difficult today to take the courses needed to graduate in 4 years than it was 30 years ago?

There's evidence it costs more so many students are working more, but I just pulled that out of my arse.