Public universities, such as UW-Madison, are often referred to as “four-year colleges.” Yet, that term is almost archaic in modern usage. No one graduates in four years anymore.

Data from public universities nationwide shows that, on average, only one third of students actually make it out in four.

According to an article in the Daily Wildcat, Arizona University?s student newspaper, their Board of Regents noticed in 1995 their students were taking their sweet time to graduate. In an effort to help, the regents implemented the “Finish in Four” program. The “FIF” program makes a promise to students that extensive advising will be provided to them on the requirements they must fulfill and what classes will satisfy them.

With the program in place, 40 percent of AU students graduated in four years. Prior to the program, 40 percent of the students graduated in four years.

So, clearly it’s not a question of advising or lack thereof. Then why are students loitering so long in the halls of education?

Here are a few well-researched theories:

1. Perhaps the problem is that today’s indecisive youth cannot make up their minds. With the fully loaded buffet table of majors, minors and certificates modern colleges offer, picking something from the menu is a daunting task indeed. Statistics confirm that over half of university students change their major at least once during their college career and many change several times. Since every major comes with a whole new set of requirements, this discipline jumping no doubt leads to longer school time.

2. Perhaps the inability to make decisions is even broader than merely choosing a major. It may be an issue of choosing a school. In 1998, the National Enrollment Management Survey Report indicated one-fourth of all college students switch schools after their freshman year. Why so many students feel the need to matriculate is a different article, but whatever the reason, modern students are more prone to ramble than their parents were. Transferring schools often means lost credits and playing catch-up to the new school’s degree requirements. This all leads to, of course, more time in school.

3. Maybe after watching CNBC for a half hour or checking the Wall Street Journal, current college students become unspeakably terrified of graduating into this ailing economy. As well they should be. This is a completely rational thought process, actually. As an indicator, the National Association of Colleges and Employers admitted they would be hiring 20 percent fewer college graduates in 2001-2002. Also, top-ranked universities have been reporting recruiter visits from major firms have decreased or nearly disappeared on their campuses. The Wall Street Journal’s “College Journal” reports current students are interested in broadening their range of skills in order to make themselves more attractive to potential employers in this dismal job market. One way of doing that is to stay in college a little longer and pick up another major or a new talent, such as “making your computer do what you want it to.”

In any case, escape in four years is completely possible; 35 percent of students pull it off. But if a scholar should meander off of the path to a diploma in order to get a better look at another major or school, that?s perfectly normal. Take solace in the pack mentality: Everyone else is doing it.

Kate McDonald ([email protected]) is the former arts editor of the Badger Herald. She is majoring in film, journalism and economics.