COLUMBUS - A state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would require public universities to guarantee that students graduate in four years.

        Under Rep. Joseph Koziura's bill, the schools would issue schedules to students with courses that, if followed, would enable them to graduate on time.

        The Lorain Democrat says the four-year graduation rate of less than 40 percent at Ohio's 13 public universities contributes to soaring college costs.

        However, Ohio State University conducted a study several years ago that found that students often are responsible for the delay in graduating, said Martha Garland, vice provost and dean for undergraduate studies.

        For example, students might choose to work during the time when specific classes they need to graduate are offered. Or they lighten their course load to juggle a job and school.

        “They told us they could graduate in four years without working and by taking a full load, but they would have to borrow money,” Ms. Garland said.

        According to data from the Ohio Board of Regents, four-year graduation rates at state schools last year ranged from a low of 14 percent at Central State University to a high of 69 percent at Miami University.

        Meanwhile, some private schools are using public-university graduation rates to their advantage, saying the public sector might not be less expensive if a student has to factor in an extra year or two.

        Mr. Koriura's concept isn't new.

        Indiana University offers freshmen a deal in which they get a schedule that guarantees they'll get the courses they need to finish on time, or the university picks up the tab.

        Wittenberg University in Springfield offers free courses to students who declare their major as sophomores and can't get what they need to graduate in four years.

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