A study shows half of college students fall behind in their first year to graduate in 4 years. The average student isn't on track to complete a degree in even 5 years. A new study released last month by the National Student Clearinghouse found that only 51% of full-time college students earned even 24 or more credits in their first year. What's more, the average full-time student attempted fewer than 27 credits in their first year — and earned fewer than 22 credits. Because of existing completion rates, the study said, "this means the average full-time student is not on track to complete a bachelor's degree even in five years."

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