More Students Accelerate Path to Graduation at Iowa State

In fall 2024, 75% of first-year Iowa State students arrived with at least some college credits, including 56% who had earned at least 20 credits – nearly two semesters’ worth. This trend significantly contributes to a rising three-year graduation rate (5.9% for the fall 2022 incoming class), as Ann Marie VanDerZanden, associate provost, reported to the Iowa Board of Regents at it’s November 12-13 meeting in Ames.

VanDerZanden and her colleagues presented on accelerated pathways to a bachelor’s degree at their respective universities. At Iowa State, the top majors for students finishing early over the last five years have been agricultural business, agricultural studies, psychology, event management, and human development and family studies. She explained that some degree programs, often due to complex curricula and accreditation or professional licensing requirements, naturally limit students’ ability to finish in less than eight semesters.

Iowa State’s accelerated degree programs website lists programs with accelerated pathways by college. Students aiming for a three-year degree who arrive with existing college credits should discuss their plans early with their academic advisor.

Departments and admissions are collaborating to promote these accelerated programs to interested students.A key strategy for expansion involves closer collaboration with high school advisors, ensuring they provide informed recommendations while students are still in high school.

Regent Greta Rouse, an Iowa State alumna, emphasized the importance of three-year options for students who are place-bound or raising families and need to complete their degrees quickly. However, she cautioned that it’s not the right path for everyone, stating, “we wouldn’t want to take away from all the great experiences they can have while they’re on campus.”

VanDerZanden agreed. Completing a degree in less than four years is a priority for some, while others want to fully experience all a college has to offer – classes, study abroad, research, internships, and campus jobs. She also noted that pushing for three-year completion could present unforeseen challenges.

final Regents Meeting for Wintersteen