Students talk early graduation, benefits

Quarter system’s flexible framework allows head start

By KATIE JAHNS daily senior staffer @katie_m_jahns

The American college experience is often idealized as “the best four years of your life.”

But, out of those who choose to attend four-year institutions, some consider graduating early. Those who take this road say that graduating early from a four-year institution can be a chance to get an early start on their careers, save on tuition or free up extra time to pursue passions.

At Northwestern, where the quarter system can offer flexibility and opportunities to take more classes than a school on the semester system, it is not uncommon for students to finish their graduation requirements early.

Some students unintentionally finish their credits early, as was the case for Medill senior Elbert Xie, who came to NU with several AP credits.

Xie said cost was a big factor in his decision to graduate after Winter Quarter. Given the University’s current $249,564 cost for tuition over four years, graduating one quarter early can save some students over twenty thousand dollars.

Xie, who is graduating with a double major in economics and journalism with a business institutions program certificate, said he is excited to have a break from classes in the spring.

“There are just a lot more things in your life than school,” he said. “When I started to check out (junior year), I realized maybe it’s healthier for me to also graduate a quarter early … I really wanted to take a break.”

With six months between now and when he plans on starting his job, Xie said he intends to ease into the transition between college and career.

An avid dancer, Xie said he wants to devote himself to his hobby by taking hip-hop classes downtown and rehearsing with the Refresh Dance Crew.

Also, after four years of academic prioritization and limited social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, Xie said he wants to maximize his time with friends.

Graduating early can also allow for an early start to students’ careers.

Emily Makedon (McCormick ’22), who graduated within three years, began her job as a product manager at Microsoft in January.

» See GRADUATE , page 10