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MADISON — The Board of Regents announced Thursday that it will focus on reducing students’ graduation time as part of the University of Wisconsin System’s strategic framework, according to a University of Wisconsin press release.

“Time to graduate is one of the most important factors in college affordability. If students can graduate in a shorter amount of time, they pay less. It also avoids missed opportunity costs because they are out in the workforce and moving forward in their career,” said Board of Regents President Regina Millner. “We are laser focused on keeping college affordable for Wisconsin families.”

University officials also pointed out that if tuition increased $100 a semester, the increase would equal $800 over the four-year experience. Comparatively, it could cost a student approximately $5,000 more to stay an extra semester if they cannot graduate in a timely fashion.

According to the release, the Regents adopted a resolution last month related to the five components of college affordability — state funding, financial aid, cost to deliver, tuition and time to graduate.

The UW System will develop and expand initiatives to help students be successful academically and graduate more quickly. Initiatives include: