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Protecting Your Investment: The Hidden Cost of College Setbacks


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As a parent, you’ve invested years preparing your child for college success. You’ve encouraged good study habits, supported their passions, and diligently saved for their higher education. But have you considered the potential financial impact of academic setbacks once they’re on campus?

The truth is that college has setbacks—whether a failed class, a change in major, or an extra semester—can come with a staggering price tag that includes so much more than just tuition. In today’s educational landscape, graduating in four years without failing a class or changing majors has become increasingly rare. Let’s dive into the real costs of these challenges and explore how you can help your child navigate these potentially expensive pitfalls.

The Staggering Cost of College Today

We all know college is expensive, but the numbers can still be shocking. Whether your child is heading to a private college, an out-of-state public university, or staying in state, the costs quickly add up. 

When you factor in housing, food, books, and other expenses, the total can be jarring. For instance, some private universities can cost up to $90,000 annually. With stakes this high, every semester counts. Let’s look at how academic setbacks can inflate these already significant costs.

The Real Cost of College Setbacks

To illustrate the potential financial impact of academic challenges, let’s compare the costs at three universities. For this case study, we purposely chose universities not in the Ivy League or even the top 50 most expensive universities in the US: the University of Colorado Boulder, Arizona State University, and the University of Tampa.

Note: The numbers used are “sticker” prices listed on the universities’ websites. Obviously, many students have scholarships or some amount of financial aid. The actual price per student, per year, varies. Also, each institution has differences in credits/hours systems, ways to retake failed courses, and other arrangements. The numbers below are meant to be an estimate.  

Public University #1: 

University of Colorado Boulder 

Estimated Yearly Costs for Full-Time Students at CU (12 credits/semester, housing, meals, books, etc.)

  • In-State Students: $35,000 per year 
  • Out-of-State Students: $64,000 per year 

Graduation Rates for CU Boulder

  • 57.5% of students graduate within four years (Daily Camera)
  • 72% complete their degrees within six years (Data USA)

The Estimated Cost of Failing a Class at CU (includes the course and books)

  • In-state students: Approx $4,000 to repeat a 4-credit hour class
  • Out-of-state students: Approx $6,500 to repeat a 4-credit hour class

Total Cost of Extra Time at CU: In-State Student (assuming there is not a tuition increase):

  • 4-year cost:  $140,000 
  • 6-year cost:  $210,000
  • Cost for 2 additional years: $70,000 

Total Cost of Extra Time at CU: Out-of-State Student (assuming there is not a tuition increase):

  • 4-year cost:  $256,000
  • 6-year cost: $384,000
  • Cost for 2 additional years: $128,000 

Public University #2

Arizona State University 

Yearly Costs for Full-Time Students at ASU(12 credits/semester, housing, meals, books, etc.)

  • In-State Students: $37,000 per year 
  • Out-of-State Students: $56,000 per year 

The Cost of Failing a Class at ASU

  • In-state students: Approx $4,000 to repeat a 4-credit hour class
  • Out-of-state students: Approx $5,500 to repeat a 4-credit hour class

Graduation Rates at ASU

  • 55.4% of students graduate within four years (ASU.edu)
  • 72% complete their degrees within six years (ASU.edu)

Total Cost of Extra Time at ASU: In-State Student (assuming there is not a tuition increase):

  • 4-year cost: $148,000
  • 6-year cost: $222,000
  • Cost for 2 extra years: $74,000

Total Cost of Extra Time at ASU: Out-of-State Student (assuming there is not a tuition increase):

  • 4-year cost: $224,000
  • 6-year cost: $336,000
  • Cost for 2 additional years: $112,000

Private University

University of Tampa

Tuition at the University of Tampa

  • $58,150 per year (12 credits per semester, including housing, meals, books, etc.)

The Cost of Failing a Class at the University of Tampa

  • Approx $6,000 to repeat a 4-credit hour class

Graduation Rates at the University of Tampa

Cost of Extra Time at the University of Tampa (assuming there is not a tuition increase):

  • 4-year cost:  $232,600
  • 6-year cost:  $348,900
  • Cost for 2 additional years: $116,300
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Note: These numbers are underestimates. Historically, public universities have raised their cost of attendance by 4.8% and private universities by 3.9% each year. When accounting for inflation, the costs of attending an extra year or two at each university would be much higher.

Even a single failed class can have a substantial financial impact. Depending on the university and the student’s residency status, repeating a class can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,500. Multiply that by several classes or an entire semester? The costs spiral quickly.

What’s more concerning is how common these setbacks are. At many universities, only about 55-60% of students graduate within four years. This means many students take nearly six years to finish college, dramatically increasing the overall cost of their education.

Why Do Students Take Longer to Graduate? 

The path to graduation isn’t always a straight line. Many students face challenges that can extend their time in college:

  1. Adapting to rigorous college-level academics 
  2. Finding a balance between social life and studies 
  3. Learning to manage time and responsibilities independently

These hurdles highlight a common theme: success in college requires more than just understanding the material in your classes. It demands life skills and strong executive function abilities.

Protecting Your Investment: Accountability from Untapped Learning

Given the potential for significant financial setbacks, supporting your student’s success isn’t just about their academic achievement—it’s about safeguarding your large investment in their education.

This is where Untapped Learning steps in. We’re dedicated to giving students the tools they need to navigate college life successfully. Here’s how we make a difference:

  1. Executive Function Coaching: We help students develop time management, organization, accountability, and self-regulation skills. These skills are often the difference between struggling and thriving in college.
  1. Academic Support: Our coaches provide targeted academic assistance, helping students take on challenging classes and develop study strategies that work for them.
  1. Transition Support: The shift from high school to college is one of the most significant transitions many of us will face. Moving from a structured environment to a less structured one can be jarring, and students often don’t know how to respond. Our mentors provide support to ease the transition. 
  1. Ongoing Guidance: Our coaches offer continuous support throughout the college journey, helping students stay on track and overcome obstacles as they arise.

Consider this: The cost of failing a single class often matches or exceeds a year’s worth of support from Untapped Learning. By investing in early support, you’re not just boosting your child’s chances of academic success—you’re potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.

The Long-Term Benefits of Support

The advantages of proper support extend far beyond immediate financial savings:

  1. Timely Graduation: Students with the right support are more likely to graduate on schedule, enter the workforce earlier, and therefore kickstart their careers sooner.
  1. Reduced Stress: Improved skills and support lead to less stress and anxiety, enhancing mental health and resulting in a more positive college experience.
  1. Career Readiness: The skills we teach—time management, organization, and self-advocacy—are needed not only for college success, but also for career success.
  1. Confidence and Independence: Our goal is to help students become self-sufficient, confident learners who can tackle any challenge.

An Investment in Your Child’s Future

The cost of college is significant, but the price of college setbacks is staggering. By investing in support services like Untapped Learning, you’re not just setting your child up for college success—you’re protecting your financial investment and paving the way for their long-term success.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for students to spend nearly six years completing their degree, and each additional year adds tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost. By providing your child with the right support from the get-go, you can help them beat these odds, graduate on time, save money, and launch their career sooner.

Don’t wait for problems to surface. Take a proactive approach to supporting your child’s college journey. Reach out to Untapped Learning today to learn how we can help your student thrive in college and beyond. Your child’s success—and your investment—are worth it.

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