When you picture college, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the classic image of a four-year adventure, capped with a graduation ceremony and the toss of a mortarboard into the sky. But for over half of today’s college students with ADHD, that picture looks a little different.
The new reality?
A five—or even six—year journey to the finish line.
It’s not a failure; it’s a reflection of the complex challenges students face today. From overloaded schedules to financial strain and personal challenges, including those faced by college students with ADHD or other mental health issues, the college experience has shifted dramatically. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can help your teen prepare for and navigate this winding road.
Understanding the Trend: Why Is Graduation Taking Longer?
If your teen is headed to college, it might surprise you to learn that completing a bachelor’s degree in four years is no longer the norm. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 41% of students at public universities graduate in four years. For private schools, the number is slightly higher at 52%, but that still leaves a lot of students taking longer to walk the stage.
Why? The reasons are as varied as the students themselves:
1. Academic Overload
College courses are a big step up from high school, and managing a full load (typically five classes per semester) can be overwhelming. Add in part-time jobs, extracurriculars, or social pressures, and it’s no wonder many students drop or fail courses. For college students with ADHD, the challenges can be even greater as they juggle deadlines, executive function demands, and attention issues.
2. Financial Pressures
Tuition, housing, books, and food—the costs pile up quickly. Many students work part-time jobs to make ends meet, which can leave less time and energy for academics. Some take semesters off to save money or reduce their course load to avoid burnout. It’s a delicate balancing act, and often, it stretches the timeline for graduation.
3. Personal and Mental Health Struggles
The college years can be tough. Anxiety, depression, and ADHD are all too common and can derail even the most motivated students. Managing mental health while keeping up with academic demands is a major challenge—and it’s one reason more students need extra time to earn their degree.
4. Institutional Hurdles
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the student—it’s the system. Required classes might fill up quickly, forcing students to wait an extra semester or even a year to enroll. Transfer students often lose credits along the way, and poorly designed advising systems can leave students taking unnecessary classes
Preparing in High School: Set the Stage for Success
Before your teen even steps onto a college campus, there’s a lot you can do to set them up for success. High school is a critical time to build the skills and habits they’ll need to thrive, no matter how long their journey takes.
1. Teach Time Management and Self-Advocacy
Think of these as life skills, not just academic or study skills. Help your teen learn how to plan their week, prioritize tasks, and stick to deadlines. Self-advocacy is just as important—students need to feel confident asking for help, whether it’s requesting accommodations for ADHD or meeting with a professor during office hours.
2. Consider Dual Enrollment or AP Credits
Knocking out a few college credits while still in high school can be a game-changer. Dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) classes not only lighten the course load later but also give students a taste of college-level rigor. Plus, completing basic requirements early frees up time for more specialized classes or internships.
3. Choose the Right College
Every school is different, and finding the right fit can make all the difference. Look for colleges with strong support systems for college students with ADHD or mental health needs. Check out their advising offices, tutoring centers, and accommodations policies. And don’t forget to factor in size, location, and campus culture—it all plays a role in your teen’s success.
Supporting College Students With ADHD: Be Their Guide (From a Distance)
Once your teen is in college, your role shifts. You’re no longer there to remind them about assignments or keep tabs on their schedule, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the picture. Here’s how you can support them during these pivotal years:
1. Encourage Balance
A packed schedule might look impressive, but it can lead to burnout fast. Help your teen set realistic goals for their course load, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs. Sometimes, less is more—especially when it comes to mental health.
2. Point Them to Campus Resources
Most colleges offer a wealth of resources, but college students with ADHD often don’t use them until they’re in crisis. Encourage your teen to visit the tutoring center, meet with their academic advisor, or check out the counseling services early on. Even a quick orientation to these resources can make them feel more approachable when challenges arise.
3. Promote Self-Advocacy
College is all about learning to navigate the system. Whether it’s speaking up about accommodations, negotiating deadlines, or seeking help from a professor, self-advocacy is key. Help your teen practice these skills by role-playing tough conversations or brainstorming solutions together.
Reframing the Five-Year Plan: It’s Not a Race
Here’s the thing: Taking five or more years to graduate isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it might even be the best choice for some college students with ADHD. Stretching out the timeline can reduce stress, improve academic performance, and allow for opportunities like internships or study abroad programs.
Celebrate Progress
Rather than focusing solely on graduation day, celebrate milestones along the way. Completing a tough semester, landing an internship, or mastering a new skill are all wins worth acknowledging.
Focus on Growth, Not Speed
College is about more than earning a degree. It’s a time for your teen to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Remind them—and yourself—that their journey is uniquely theirs, and that success doesn’t have a deadline.
Conclusion: Your Role in the Journey
The college journey is changing, and that’s okay. Whether it takes four years, five years, or even longer, what matters most is that your teen feels supported and empowered to reach their goals.
By preparing them with essential skills in high school, encouraging balance in college, and reframing the idea of what success looks like, you can help your teen navigate this new reality with confidence.
Every step they take—no matter how long it takes—is a step toward a brighter future. And that’s worth celebrating.
