Less is More: Is Graduating From College Early Worth It?

Just how every student is different, so is their path to graduation. The words you thought you would never hear... but you might want to consider graduating early.

If anyone gave me the option on if I wanted to graduate college early, I would have thought they were out of their mind. In fact, after my first year of college, I remember thinking to myself, “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind staying at Penn State even for a 5th year”.

Who would have thought that the girl that lived and breathed for the college experience would be the one to throw in the towel and graduate early?

The Hot Tea & Cold Facts

Every year, colleges are finding the percentage of students graduating early is rising. Much of this is due to high school AP classes being transferred, taking summer courses, and being proactive with one's academic track. However, according to Forbes Magazine, students that choose to graduate in three years instead of the expected four will save approximately $42,419 at a private four-year university or $18,943 at a public in-state university.

Pros vs Cons

Pros:

+ Removing the financial strain from parents

+ Fewer college fees

+ Get a head start on job search

+ A greater gap between graduation and a full-time job allotted for travel or vacation time

Cons:

- Rigorous course load (18+ credits/semester)

- Unable to walk or graduate with friends

- Less time experiencing the traditional “4-year experience”

- Minimal wiggle room for pivoting if you wanted to change your major

The Verdict?

Reflect within yourself and determine if this is a considerable option for you because everyone is on a different pace in life. If your academic plan allows you the opportunity to graduate early, consider it. But also remember that, there is no rush. Students come into college either knowing exactly what they want to do or discovering their interest half-way in.

Make sure to think of all of the scenarios of life after college and how that fits into your goals and aspirations.