Should parents plan for the possibility of more than 8 semesters' of college costs?

[allyphoe]

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There appears (based on quick eyeballing) to be a rough correlation between 4-year graduation rates and admissions selectivity, and there also seems to be some correlation to cost of attendance.

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<p>The most selective schools have “4 years and out” policies. A tiny fraction of students are permitted to enroll for more than 8 semesters, and a larger fraction will take a semester or two’s leave of absence, and some will transfer or drop out. But the vast majority graduate in 4 years because of very strong institutional pressure to do so.</p>