There’s an urban myth that college programs can no longer be accomplished within four years.

The goal of Iowa State’s Soar in Four program is to dispel that myth and help students earn degrees at the pace they desire.

There are many variables behind the trend in students prolonging graduation, said Beverly Madden, coordinator of the program and director of Career Planning and Placement Services.

Only 27 percent of students who graduated in 2001 completed their programs in four years, Madden said. Statistics for 2002 graduates have not yet been calculated.

The time students stay in school is affected by their chosen major and whether they participate in an internship or study abroad program, she said.

“Part of that has to do with internships being stepping stones to jobs,” Madden said. “[Students] may get their academic work done in eight semesters, but career opportunities give better preparation for the workplace.”

Architecture and landscape architecture are the only programs that require five years to complete. Every other program is able to be completed in four years if the student is determined to do so, she said.

“We have the Soar in Four plan to dispel the urban myth that you can’t graduate in four years,” Madden said.

The number of years a person spends at college is a personal decision, said Patrick Mitchell, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication.

“I think [graduating in four years] really depends on the person and what part of college is important to you,” he said.

Nathan Zobel, junior in performing arts, said balancing academics and activities can make graduating in four years a challenge.

“It’s impossible to be involved and graduate in four years,” he said. “This year I’m finding it increasingly hard to get my studying done, what with clubs, play rehearsals and dancing.”

The major a student chooses has a significant impact on their ability to graduate in four years, Madden said.