Most students at University of Texas campuses still don't graduate in four years, but their numbers improve with an extra year or two, according to a new study the UT System regents will discuss today in Austin.

Anywhere from 5 percent (at UT-El Paso) to 42 percent (at UT-Austin) of students get their diplomas in four years, based on the most recent figures. Those rates have remained relatively flat over time.

Give students six years to earn a diploma, and anywhere from 28 percent to 75 percent will succeed (again, at the El Paso and Austin campuses, respectively). That's a slight or moderate gain for every school except UT-Dallas, which has remained flat.

"There's no silver bullet," Chancellor Mark Yudof said. "This problem wasn't created in a day, and it won't go away in a day."

Last year, the UT System declared higher graduation rates a big priority. The effort addresses a common problem. Only about half of students at Texas' public universities graduate within six years, on par with the national average.

Each of UT's nine academic campuses has set target graduation rates and must give quarterly progress reports. For instance, 40 percent of UT-Arlington's students graduate in six years. The goal is 50 percent. UTD wants to boost its six-year rate from 56 percent to 72 percent.

The goals vary to reflect each school's mission, student body and admissions criteria. For instance, UT-Austin has some of the toughest admissions standards, so those students start with an academic leg up.

Some students take several years to get their degrees because they switch majors, take time off or work long hours to pay for college. This concerns lawmakers and educators because students who linger on campus could be out earning money instead of spending it – and they take up slots that could go toward new freshmen.

UT System officials say several strategies have helped students graduate faster. Some campuses have flat tuition rates so students pay for 12 credit hours and can take more at no extra charge, an incentive to load up on classes. Colleges also do more to help struggling freshmen and sophomores keep up academically.

Some ideas are newer, so it will take time to see whether they work. UT-San Antonio, for instance, called all seniors who left campus after the fall semester and encouraged them to come back in the spring.

Officials hope another new plan – free tuition for students from low-income families – will keep students on track to graduate. Both the Arlington and Dallas campuses participate in that plan. Mr. Yudof said it sends an important message to students: "Stop worrying for four years. Just do your work."

Click on the document below to view a chart including UTEP graduation rates.