The rush to leave college doesn't hit plague student, and some students choose to take a path that extends their time achieving an undergraduate degree.

Alumna Amanda Schnepel graduated in 2009 after five years of degree-seeking.

Before transferring to Augustana, she attended Iowa Western Community College, where she graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in music.

Schnepel used her Associates degree as transfer credits when entering Augustana.

"My first year at Augie I was a true ‘junior in college' as far as the general requirements and major credits were concerned," she said.

And instead of paying for a four-year education at Augustana, Schnepel only sought loans and financial aid for the three years she spent finishing her K-12 instrumental music education major.

"At the community college, tuition was covered through music scholarships," she said. "So I didn't take out loans or financial aid until transferring to Augustana."

And in the long run, she found the cost to be worth the additional education beyond her community college degree.

"I am so glad I was introduced to Augie," she said. "Augustana gave me the opportunity to have a well-rounded education."