A new report reveals that college course shutouts are preventing students from graduating on time, with 85 percent of surveyed students reporting difficulty registering for required courses. The problem is particularly acute at public institutions where budget constraints limit course offerings, forcing many students to take extra semesters that add thousands of dollars to their education costs.

Instructure's survey of over 1,000 students found that three-quarters said limited course availability made it more likely they would need additional semesters to complete their degrees. The average cost of an extra year at a public four-year college exceeds $26,000 when factoring in tuition, fees, housing, and lost wages. Community colleges face similar challenges, with research showing students placed on waiting lists are up to 28 percent more likely to take no courses that term.

Students can mitigate these issues by researching graduation rates, asking current students about course availability, and exploring online course sharing between institutions. However, experts warn that popular programs at impacted schools may require students to be more strategic in their planning. The problem reflects broader systemic issues in higher education scheduling that were designed for traditional students but now must accommodate working adults and first-generation college students.