Why Students at Ferris State University Take Longer to Graduate

At Ferris State University, like many other institutions, students encounter various obstacles on their path to timely graduation. Understanding these challenges and addressing them proactively is crucial for ensuring that students can finish their studies within the desired timeframe.

Academic Challenges

Academic difficulties can significantly impact a student's progress towards graduation. Many students struggle with their coursework, leading to poor performance or even dropping classes. These situations can delay their academic journey substantially.

Financial Issues

Financial constraints often pose a significant barrier for college students. Many individuals need to work additional hours or take fewer classes to manage their expenses. This can ultimately extend the duration of their college experience.

Changing Majors

Students frequently change their major of study, which can result in the need for additional coursework and extend their graduation timeline. Exploring different academic paths is a natural process, but it can add unnecessary complexity to the graduation process.

Personal Circumstances

Life events such as health issues, family obligations, and personal crises can disrupt a student's academic journey. Unexpected disruptions can severely impact a student's focus and ability to stick to their study plan.

Lack of Academic Advising

Insufficient guidance from academic advisors can lead students to be unaware of degree requirements or to take the wrong courses. This lack of clarity can cause significant delays in achieving their academic goals.

Extracurricular Commitments

Involvement in clubs and activities can be enriching, but it also diverts time away from academic responsibilities. Balancing extracurricular activities with coursework can be challenging and might extend a student's time in college.

Transfer Credits

Students transferring from other institutions may face difficulties with credit transfers, which can impact their academic plan. Ensuring that credit is properly transferred can be a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination.

Addressing these Challenges:

Addresing these challenges involves a combination of academic support services, financial aid resources, and effective advising. By providing students with the right tools and support, institutions can help them stay on track and achieve their academic goals more efficiently.

I began my academic journey at Ferris State University in the Fall of 1991 and graduated with Highest Honors in May of 1995 from the College of Business. My experience shows that staying focused and not changing your major can help you achieve your academic objectives. Despite claims that Ferris students might match other Michigan universities in terms of graduation rates, I've observed that many college students don't finish in four years, regardless of their institution.

The truth is that many freshmen are around 18 or 19 years old and may not fully understand their career paths. Consequently, they may select majors that do not align well with their talents, interests, or career goals. Upon realizing their mistakes, these students may backtrack, change majors, and realign their academic plans. Some students may even need to do this multiple times, further delaying their graduation.

Given these insights, it becomes evident that addressing the challenges through comprehensive support systems and proactive planning can significantly enhance the likelihood of timely graduation for students at Ferris State University and beyond.