<p>According to [University</a> of California: StatFinder](<a href=“http://statfinder.ucop.edu/]University”>http://statfinder.ucop.edu/) , four year graduation rate at UC has been increasing over the years despite budget cuts over the years (rising in-state tuition costs may be increased incentive for students not to take extra semesters or quarters, and increasing selectivity means fewer students needing remedial courses or being unable to handle a normal course load). Indeed, Berkeley’s 70% four year graduation rate is among the highest of public universities in the US, but the less selective UCs have lower four year graduation rates.</p>
<p>Less selective non-UCs should not be expected to have stellar four year graduation rates either. It is likely that four year graduation rate shows a strong correlation to admissions selectivity and cost of attendance.</p>
<p>Don’t forget the Western Undergraduate Exchange program allows California residents to pay 150% of in-state tuition for state schools in other states such as Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, etc. Check our their website for participating schools and programs.</p>
<p>OP, what parent46 said is just outright misinformation. Not only is it not hard graduating in 4 years from a UC (at least UCLA & Cal), I have not met a single person who had to stay for a 5th year and didn’t fall into one of the following categories:</p>
<p>1.) Athlete. Wants and needs to stay a 5th year. Doesn’t want it any other way.
2.) A double major/minor seeking student, choosing to stay a 5th year to finish his double major/minor.
3.) A student who didn’t know what he wanted to do until junior year and changed his track entirely after 1-2 years of classes. </p>
<p>Also, I am planning on graduating in 3 years with a minor and a hard science degree. Not only is 4 years not hard, 3 is actually realistic. Try not to listen to misinformation. It probably isn’t intentional, just misinformed masses repeating what they hear.</p>
<p>I don’t really think “UC Mercede” has a place yet as it is not established. Today I think it may be “worse” than UC Riverside, but who knows where it’ll be in 15 years. I’m using UCR as my bottom though as I got a letter from them saying I have automatic acceptance for meeting some stats, and I’d rather go there location wise than Merced.</p>
<p>g0ld3n, I would not say what parent46 posted is misinformation, it is a point of view, just as your post is. UCBalumnus has provided actual data. You provided your own opinion based on a few people you know.</p>
<p>OP, if USC is on your short list, then be sure to apply before the Dec 1 scholarship deadline. That way you would be considered for one of the [non NMSF] scholarships, and you may find out early[ mid Feb] if you are accepted.
If You are a NMSF, and are accepted, you would receive a 1/2 tuition scholarship, as long as you let MNF know by May of 2013 that USC is your first choice .
You can only receive 1 big scholarship from USC, but applying early is a possible win-win, as it does not prevent you from also applying SCEA or ED to your reach colleges as well.</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad, I apologize for not resubmitting UCBalumnu’s link, but you can use the same site to find general data for all UCs including UCLA. I thought it would have just been redundant.</p>
<p>Except the way it was worded, it appears to be ‘fact’. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>To add to golden’s list: IMO, the biggest reason that kids do not graduate in four years is due to $$. Many have to work part-time to support their families and pay their bills. Such students take a minimum load during the year, and thus by definition are on the five year plan.</p>
<p>Also note the historical nature of the data that ucb posted. The Blue and Gold is a recent finaid plan and has only been in effect for a few years.</p>