Why is Time the Enemy?
Complete College America published a detailed study on college completion titled “Time is the Enemy” which is the first report that focuses on the success and failure of college students. We may wonder, why time is the enemy?
Some students face challenges to attend college, whether its cost, family obligations, affordable housing, transportation, jobs, etc, something gets in the way. The more time it takes students to graduate from college “the more life gets in the way of success.”
Many students are the first generation of their family to attend college and most end up going part-time. Those students face more obstacles in completing their education. Many of those students have jobs to afford their education and most commute to school.
What percentage of students are we talking about?
According to the study, 75% exactly. Their resources are limited and colleges need to provide more support for those students.
The study also found that full-time African American, Hispanic and low-income students finish a four -year bachelor’s in six years with a graduation rate of 39.9%, 46.5% and 45.2% respectively. The same degree for part time students also takes six years, but with a much lower rate of graduation:14.5% African Americans, 16.7% Hispanics and 17.3% Low-income students. These numbers are scary, even though college enrollment numbers have gone up over the years. Now a majority of American students are not finishing their degree. The focus of American colleges should be successful college graduation for their enrolled students.
How can we help students?
This is a difficult question to answer. There is little time and so much on the line. College institutions have to be on the same page as government officials to ensure that students have the right resources to graduate. States need to create and implement goals for increasing graduation rates. Colleges need more resources within the campuses to help those students who struggle the most. With the right support it can be possible and see results.
I myself, know what is like to struggle in college while holding a job. For the past three years, I have to commute 45 minutes to school and back because it is difficult to find afford housing on campus. Fortunately, I have managed my schedule to work on and off campus to afford travel cost and other expenses. It can be challenging and tiring. With the determination and commitment for a better future it is possible. I think it is necessary to have more support for other students who struggle the most. Time is running out and we all have to work together to see the results needed for more successful college graduations.
Tania Hurtado is the Communications Intern at Mobilize.org. She was born in Bolivia and now resides in Providence, Rhode Island. Tania is a senior at Roger Williams University majoring in Public Relations. Check out Mobilize.org’s The Millennial Report.
