Some Purdue students become 'Super Seniors', others avoid 'victory lap'

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue student Alanna Ratliff will eventually become a "Super Senior."

This means Ratliff will be attending Purdue for a fifth year. And she's not a minority.

Based on enrollment numbers for this year, only 46 percent of students are graduating in four years. Ratliff said having a professor tell her to pick up two minors is to blame.

"I need to get the extra time in so that I can get that done without feeling too over-worked," said Ratliff.

Purdue enrollment officials said picking up a minor is one of the common reasons students may stay an extra semester or two.

Others include switching majors, studying abroad, failing classes and choosing to do an internship as opposed to coursework for a semester.

Pam Horne said the four-year graduation rate can also depend on the school.

"Schools that have, quite frankly, very large science and engineering programs tend to have somewhat longer time-to-degree," said Horne.

Horne said the University encourages students to take at least 16 credit hours a semester. She said that way, they stay busy and motivated.

Austin Beidelman took the University's advice. Beidelman is a senior who changed his major his sophomore year. He said he gave up free time and hanging out with friends so he can to avoid "the victory lap."

"I decided that, instead of spending the money for a fifth year, or even just the extra semester, I was going to buckle down and take 18, 19 and 20 credits hours a semester just so I can graduate on time," said Beidelman.

The University is trying to help students like Beidelman. Horne said the University has first-year support programs and is working to enhance the gateway courses.

Also, Purdue will be developing a 30-credit transferable core which should help new and transfer students.

Students are also getting some help from the state. 

Because of a law signed by Governor Mitch Daniels this spring, any program that requires more than 120 credits can be reviewed by the State Commission for Higher Education.

This year's four-year graduation rate is up more than 3 percent over last year's 42 percent.

In the next two to three years, Purdue officials hope that rate will be at least 50 percent.