Going to college today requires more than working toward an undergraduate degree.

Today, more and more Iowa State students are expanding their education with a job, a second job, a second major, co-ops, internships and maybe even study-abroad experience.

This is all a spectacular combination of experiences for any college student, and it can all be done in four years.

However, theory normally doesn’t echo reality.

In the fall of 1995, the state Board of Regents created a contract program to increase four-year graduation rates.

Previously, the four-year graduation rate for ISU from 1985 to 1992 was 21.4 percent. The five-year graduation rate was 54.1 percent.

So far, the four-year contract has been unpopular at ISU. Since it was implemented, only 250 students signed the contract.

Officials have attributed the low participation to such things as high education costs and long hours at a job.

Graduating in five years or more is a trend which has become an educational norm over time.

As long as people take the initiative to pursue an education, the pace in which they do it shouldn’t attempt to be changed.

Students today face higher debts and different social strains than students of past generations.

While the contract program may show students that graduating in four years is possible, it isn’t always what students want.

Students know what their goals are better than anyone. Accomplishing the goals will take most students’ time, effort and experience they cannot afford for only four years.

So instead focusing on the low four-year rate, officials should take it as a sign students care enough about their education to stick it out for as long as they are.