Why You Should Graduate Early
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why You Should Graduate Early

Looking to save money in college? Here's how you can save on room and board.

761
Why You Should Graduate Early
Google Images

Graduating early can save you time and money in room, board, meal plans, and tuition. You can graduate a semester early by taking summer and/or winter classes throughout your four years in college, or by getting internship and class credit at summer jobs and apprenticeships. You can accumulate up to 15 credits by taking winter and summer sessions, whether it be online or at a local college campus.


In your freshman year, I highly suggest taking core classes online to save space in your schedule for electives and activities. As a freshman, I took a history core requirement online over the winter session in order to have Fridays off. By eliminating a core class that would have taken up to three hours a week, I made more free time for myself to add another class, focus on a club or sport, or add an extracurricular activity like choir or band. Other core classes such as art, business, theology, and philosophy are often available as online short-term courses.

In order to graduate a semester early you would have to take major required/core classes online or on campus during the winter and summer breaks. 15 credits is one semester and five classes. If you are looking to save money and get a head start on your job search after college, graduating a semester early is the right path for you.

The normal amount of classes to take during a semester is five, but if you take a winter or summer course, you can take up to 36 credits a year. By saving money on room and board and meal plans, you could put that money toward a study abroad trip, a car, or rent for an apartment or house.

There are many benefits to graduating early; you would have your pick of jobs compared to those graduating in May, you can spend more time with family, you have more time to relax and come up with a life plan, and you have an advantage over all of your peers. If you are thinking of graduating a semester early, definitely take the leap; companies will notice and take that into consideration. It shows dedication, perseverance, and initiative. As millennials, we all know how hard it is to find a job, especially one that pays well and is in your field of study. By graduating early, you have an advantage over everyone that did not graduate early; it is an impressive thing to put on your resume.

Weigh the pros and cons before you make any firm decisions, but don’t hesitate to try. Taking winter and summer courses is a great way to use your time off, especially if you are not working. Graduating a semester early makes you stand out from the crowd. Companies today look for unique employees that can bring something new to the table. Graduating a semester early, or even a year early if you have the opportunity, is your first step to making yourself the perfect job applicant.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58116
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37435
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959080
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192729
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments