<p>one other item that reflects in a 5+ year graduation rate is financial aid and the number of low income students, of which the UCs have lots. (UC gives a big tip in admissions to low income students.)</p>
<p>The end result is that many students have to work part time to pay for their education and even send money home to support their families. To keep grades up, such students take a minimum load; thus, 5 years becomes their norm.</p>
<p>OTOH, don’t forget that UC is extremely generous with AP/IB credit, so some/many students graduate in 3 years.</p>