<p>So I've read that the 4 yr graduation rate is only 56%. Current or former students does this seem accurate? If so, what are the reasons? Does it depend on major, are required classes often hard to get, would a student who enters with no clear idea on major tend to take 5-6 years? Or does the rate reflect mostly kids wanting CSE who don't make it in until junior year? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m fairly sure it’s because of people who change their mind about their major. My husband is at the UW, and he will take 5 years to graduate because he decided, after working on CS for a year and a bit, that he wanted to do design instead. Because the design program admits in Autumn, he was at UW for 2 years before starting it, and it’s a 3 year program. So it will take him 5 years to graduate. I’m sure there are a lot of students who go through a similar process if they decide to change majors. </p>
<p>A lot of students also do dual degrees (automatically 5 years) or double (sometimes triple or quadruple) majors. Many students also take extra minors. </p>
<p>There’s also a bunch of students who have no idea what they’re doing at all, so they take random classes for two years, get into a major, and then find out they haven’t finished a lot of the graduation requirements for that major.</p>
<p>As long as you’re focused and make good decisions about what classes you want to take, you can definitely graduate in four years. A number of my friends in CSE got in their junior year and will still graduate in 4 years. Those who get in as seniors are in a bit tighter spot and usually graduate in 5 years. </p>
<p>Thanks Speedsolver and Candela2. Trying to compare COA of US vs LAC with a higher 4 yr grad rate. If it takes 5 yrs to graduate from US then the costs are equal. That’s assuming graduating on time a the LAC of course, which you can’t predict. Good to know it’s possible to graduate in 4 years without too much trouble (if you wan to and are focused)</p>
<p>Another thing worth mentioning is that some students take time off or do internships during the school year, which does set them back a quarter or two. Again, it’s totally doable to graduate in 4 years. </p>
<p>All kinds of people with different work ethics and different goals enroll in this state institution. I graduated from UW in 4 years and my son will be graduating in June on the 4- year plan as an aero engineer. As mentioned previously, there are a number of reasons the grad rate is low. Here’s reasons I’ve seen over the course of 30 years.</p>
<p>Double Major
Change in Major
Student doesn’t know what to major in and delays school
Parents don’t let kids flounder in school any more to “find” themselves as it is too expensive.
Didn’t take first years serious enough and didn’t make the grades to get into school of choice.
Some students are part time as they have to work to pay their way through school
Some degrees such as engineering are pretty intense and unless you come in with credits from AP/IB, running start, you have to be very determined and disciplined from the beginning to stay on track. No wiggle room.</p>
<p>All of these reasons are not fault of the institution. Anyone willing to take their college seriously (while still having fun) can graduate on time. It’s up to the student. The university doesn’t talk you into staying if you don’t take it seriously. It is a big institution and the personal attention won’t be there. They expect their students to be mature and self sufficient. It’s a great school for someone who is independent and goal oriented. </p>
<p>Thanks curiousinseattle. A good summary of what I expected UW to be. Very good for the kids who have all their ducks in a row so to speak and are 100% certain of major upon entering. </p>
<p>The reason for the question is because I have heard, second hand, that pre reqs for the STEM majors are often overenrolled and kids get shut out an then delayed in applying to the major and get on the five year plan through no fault of their own. </p>
<p>If that is not the case, then great. </p>
<p>@raincat - I have heard those rumors but my son did not have that problem. I know several students who have graduated in four years in engineering.</p>
<p>I don’t know how all the engineering schools work, but once my son was in the AA school, his classes were scheduled for him by the department, with a few choices for electives. </p>