<p>We were in an unusual position. D started at a CC, where she attended for 3 semesters. As a result, it took her a little time to figure out which major she wanted & to get accepted into that major. We are paying for 7 semesters at expensive private U to go with her 3 semesters of CC. We would of course have loved it if she was done after only 5 semesters of U, but fortunately it is working out OK for all of us. At this time, not sure she will want grad school, as it doesn’t seem too crucial for her field.</p>
<p>S was exactly 8 semesters of private U. He could have graduated earlier, but we encouraged him to take some “fun” courses and have no regrets. He MAY go to grad school, but will likely get employer to assist.</p>
<p>Each family has a different situation–depends on the options available to the kid, field, expenses, family resources, agreements that have been made between parents & student, etc.</p>
<p>As a practical matter, many students have challenges getting all coursework done in 4 years, especially when the student doesn’t enter with lots of AP and/or other college credit and also when courses are reduced due to budget constraints, etc.</p>