Individuals who worry that they cannot finish a college degree program in five years may want to consider the offerings of online schools, which could help them get ahead in their studies or work at their own pace.
Across the country, budget constraints and the high cost of college tuition have led some universities to consider creating time limits for bachelors degree candidates.
An educational task force recently suggested that a Texas-based school require its students to complete an undergraduate degree program within five years, the Houston Chronicle reports. The panel also advised the university to place a limit on the number of times a student could change his or her major.
If these regulations are implemented, students will be able to ask for extensions due to special circumstances, and degree programs that typically take more time to complete - such as engineering and architecture - would not be affected.
Similar trends are underway in California, where several schools are seeking ways to encourage students to finish on time in order to make room for incoming freshmen, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Students who wish to earn their bachelors degree on their own time may benefit from college programs online, which could help them get ahead in their studies or work at their own pace.