Should You Graduate College Early?
You might be thinking: should I graduate college early? This is a recurring thought in many college students’ minds. It honestly depends on your goals, your financial situation, your social situation, the current job market, or even your readiness to graduate early.
For many thinkable situations, graduating early is a better choice. You save at least an extra semester of costs and academic stress. You have more time to yourself to spend on fun hobbies and activities like traveling. You can focus on bettering yourself by reading money- and success-related books, listening to informational podcasts, and developing new skills before beginning your first post-grad job.
In some situations, graduating early can be worrisome. You will miss your social life and not graduate with your friends. You want to continue your education and don’t want to take a break from routine. Jobs in your field might not be available for new graduates because of the weak job market.
If I did not pursue my master’s degree in finance, I would have 100% graduated college early. Sure, I would have missed out on “having a fun college life” or another Hawkeye football season. But, I would have been more excited to start my 100% independent life than be in college for longer. I love being in control of my life and deciding what to do with it. In college, you are still in a bubble. You are worried how other college students are perceiving you. In the real world, it is not like that. You are focusing on yourself and your goals.
I don’t regret getting my master’s in finance because it allowed me to be more in control of my life after graduation. Fantastic great-paying job opportunities were shown to me that wouldn’t have been shown if I just got my bachelor’s degree in finance.
What I am saying is that if you feel like you got the most out of college and are ready to move on, then move on and graduate early! Don’t stay the stereotypical four years if you don’t have to. Remember, you solely decide how you want to live your life.