Might be a silly question, but do all (or most) universities allow you to take a 5th year? Like if you still need to take certain courses after 8 semesters will most let you stay as long as you keep paying? I understand certain majors/departments do have limits. Worried I won’t finish my degree on time because a course I need doesn’t have enough seats this semester, and I need to take it now as it’s a predecessor to another course I need to take next semester.
Any input is greatly appreciated
Usually, yes if you can keep paying. Many scholarships are for 8 semesters so that extra semester or year can be pretty expensive. Federal aid has a buffer for extra time but some state aid doesn’t.
I’ll add that there are some scholarships that cover the degree, not the number of semesters, so taking an extra is OK but you have to pay to take classes if you have the required credits for your degree.
No, not all. My daughter’s college (she just started) says that they expect everyone to finish in 8 semesters and that aid cannot go past that.
Many colleges allow you to take extra semesters. There are all types of scenarios that prevent you from completing your degree in four years Especially one such as yours… D1 took 4 1/2 years because she had a 6 month internship. Good luck!
Many will allow more than 8 semesters if you pay. Keep in mind that scholarships and financial aid may end or be reduced if you go past 8 semesters.
Some state universities do restrict registering for semesters beyond 8 or beyond a certain number of credits, because they do not want students taking more than their fair share of subsidized education. For example, a school may limit the student with excess semesters or credits to taking only courses that will fulfill requirements to graduate as soon as possible.
Note that semesters off school doing co-op jobs, internships, etc. are typically not counted, unless scholarships require continuous enrollment.
Not exactly what you mean, but some schools will eventually cut you off, even if you are paying, if it looks like you aren’t progressing to graduation.
Talk with your advisor about this and also check your particular school’s policies. I don’t think it is uncommon for students to take more than four years to graduate. Funding the extra time is a factor to be considered. I also think that sometimes people take a prerequisite that they can’t get into at their own school through an online course to stay in sequence if the school allows this…