A pilot program in effect this academic year at Indiana University hopes to encourage students to graduate on time.
With the 'Finish in Four On-Time Completion Award,' students set to graduate within four years get the cost of their tuition and fees locked in during their sophomore year – meaning if tuition goes up it doesn't affect them.
Just 3 in 10 Hoosier students finish a four-year degree on time, according to a report this year from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Office of Enrollment Management vice provost David Johnson said there's a trend that should help turn things around.
"They're bringing credit dual enrollment, additional credit that makes them a sophomore when they come as a freshman," Johnson said. "Right now we're at 8.9% of our beginner cohort with sophomore status."
He said students trying to meet Finish in Four's conditions without the benefit of additional credit will have advisors and degree maps to help.
IU freshman Taylor Brown said he's already thinking about graduating on time.
"I feel the pressure, but I'm willing to take it on," Brown said.
Brown said he's also considering the '3/2 MBA' program at IU's Kelley School of Business, which lets students earn an undergraduate business degree and an MBA in just five years.
Classes start today at all IU campuses.