College students average less than 22 credits in their first year, too few to graduate on time

According to recent research from the National Student Clearinghouse, only 51% of students earned 24 or more credits in their first year of college, and only 28% of first-year students earning 30 or more credit hours. While the rate of credits earned varied based on institution type, degree sought, college readiness, enrollment intensity, and race and ethnicity, most students are not on track to graduate in four or five years.