Corner Post editorial —
Is early graduation worth the stress?

by Sierra Angell, posted Dec. 7, 2011

"Well, Sierra," said my academic adviser. "It looks like you will have enough hours to graduate in December."

Last spring, I was thrilled to find out that I would be able to graduate in three and a half years instead of four. Once this became an option for me, I needed to decide what I wanted to do. I quickly realized that there are many positive aspects to this choice, as well as potential downsides. Eventually, I decided to graduate in three and a half years, instead of the usual four.

As I reasoned through the decision, I realized that it was important to think about how this might affect my ability to get a job. Stephanie Chipman, the career services director for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), works with students and employers every day on job placement issues like this one.

"I think the success or failure of choosing to graduate early depends on how the student markets it," Chipman said. "Students who graduate in three years can be extremely driven that entire time. I think that employers appreciate the drive and ambition in a student who can graduate early. Employers so value the work ethic involved."

Because Chipman works with employers, she knows what today's companies are looking for while hiring graduating students.

"Students need to show employers that during their three years of college they made something better," Chipman said. "You can't just take classes and that's it. Its important to develop transferable skills like teamwork, communication and leadership while you are here."

Science and agricultural journalism student, Carah Hart, will be graduating in only three years. Hart has heard similar thoughts from employers as expressed by Chipman.

"Employers are impressed when I tell them I will graduate early," Hart said. "I know that some think the whole college experience needs to be in four years."

Chipman expressed similar concerns about having the complete college experience for students like Hart and myself.

"On a personal note, there are so many years of your life to work," Chipman said. "So, I encourage students to think about what they might miss. This is coming from someone who loved college though, classes and all. I have never left, you know."

Graduating early can cause some academic stress. I have taken summer classes and heavy course loads some semesters to make this possible. I can see how I might have enjoyed myself more, if I had simply taken fewer hours over the course of four years.

"It changed my college experience dramatically," Hart said. "I don't have a lot of time to devote to organizations or social experiences. I am more productive, but my life is more chaotic."

After considering the academic stress, I also thought about the financial burden of college education. I am paying for school mostly by myself, so I look forward to the money I will save during that last semester when I won't be paying for school. Chipman argued in favor of the full college experience, but also stated that it's not a simple choice.

"Yet, I don't want you to mistake me for naïve," Chipman said. "I recognize the debt burden that many students carry after coming to college. I understand that it may not be financially sensible to stay in school a full four years when that last year might feel like lollygagging to some students."

As a student in this exact situation, Hart expressed a similar thought.

"It saves me some money," Hart said. "But, I can also get a quality education in three years."

The decision to graduate early is typically only an option for students who have come to college with more than 15 hours of dual-credit classes. There are many factors that lead up to the choice to graduate early including social, academic, financial and career concerns.

In the end, I decided that the academic and career concerns could be overcome fairly simply. I feel that both Hart and I will be able to find jobs, when we market ourselves as Chipman suggested. The potential downsides of social and academic stress can be managed with a good attitude and, as Hart said, by becoming more productive. Each person who considers this option should take their time and weigh all options. I don't believe there is a simple answer for any person, because every situation is different. However, I am content with my choice to graduate early.

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