The New York Times online editorial section hosts the Freakonomics blog.
You know, Freakonomics--the 2005 book by an economist that suggests something like sumo wrestlers are just like crack dealers, that the Britneys of today are the Sassafrases of tomorrow, that AK-47s are really a lot better toy for your preschooler than that in-ground pool--you know, that quirky book that caught fire a few years ago? (Nod your head and pretend you remember 2005.)
Well, Freakonomics has a blog on the New York Times website where
An April 26th post (never said we were on the ball here) asked Why Does College Take so Long These Days? ("These days." Grandpa sits back in his rocker, pulls an afghan over his knees, and waxes nostalgic about this and penny candy.)
The answer, according to the report? You're poor. Or you're a few oats short of a Cheerio. One or the other. Maybe both if you're really special.
Researchers suggest that paying your way through college makes things slow. That, or you belong to a "less-selective institution"--which is delightful euphemism for saying you're none too bright.
I don't know how much validity these hypotheses ever have. People throw things out there to see what sticks. There's no limit to what researchers will think up to explain why people take longer to graduate college these days. Why, look at me. I'm poor and I went to a state school, and I--
Ahh, good point.
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