Hi.
I went part time a semester, worked, and changed majors. I mainly kept and I am trying to keep 12 credit hours a semester. With that pace, it’s taking me until Spring 2019 to graduate. I started in Fall 2012. Should I finish?
Is there any reason why you can’t (i.e., financial problems, familial commitments, etc.)?
If not, I’d say go for it! You’ve already put a lot of time into it, and you’re more than halfway there. A lot of students take longer than four years to get their degrees, and there’s absolutely no shame in that. College is an individualistic experience, and everyone does it at their own pace. Your education is something that no one can ever take away from you, so it’s definitely worth the extra time and effort. Just think of how proud you would be to finally have that diploma in your hand!
keep going, one semester at a time. the people i know that treasure their degrees most are the ones that took 5,6,7, or even 15 years (with a break) to achieve it.
Do what you have to do. A degree is a degree no matter how long it takes to get it, and you’re better off with a degree to show for your time in college than to drop out with nothing to show for it.
Definitely keep going. Do as much as you can afford and keep debt to a minimum. I have written here before that when I was small, maybe 4, my father set a goal that he wanted to complete a bachelor’s degree before his oldest child (me) finished high school. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business the year before I graduated from high school. He did it over many years, sometimes one course at a time. There is no shame in taking more than four years and a lot of pride in completing a degree.
Life is not a race.
There’s no prize for finishing college in 4 years, or 3 years or 5 years. Each of us follows our own path.
Finish your degree, in as long as it takes you. And take pride in that accomplishment.
I think you should look at what your degree is in, and If what you’ve been working towards will only put you in a slightly better place… A degree will prove employers that you are competent, but if that competence isnt equal another 3 years of tuition, then consider your options. Good luck man.
You should definitely finish your degree! There is no point in starting something if you don’t plan on finishing!
On a resume, all you put is when you graduated.
In the summer of 2019, you will be 3 years older. You can be 3 years older with a degree or 3 years older without a degree. If anyone ever says anything (if they looked at your transcript, for example), you would just say you were working your way through school.
You can do it!!!
My father started college in 1935 and finally got his B.A. in 1996. Nobody has ever been happier or more proud on his graduation day.
Keep going! If that pace works for you, and a different pace would mean more stress, financial uncertainty, or less ability to focus, why change?
I have seen friends and children of friends take 6,7 years to graduate for various reasons. I’ve also seen kids graduate in 3,4 years. In the end, they all have their degrees. That’s the goal.
Is there a reason to limit your enrollment to 12 credits a semester? While that qualifies as fulls time for financial aid purposes, a typical 4 year bachelors degree requires 15 credits per semester. How many credits have you earned already, and how many of them can be applied to your current major? What about taking summer classes to speed things along?
I have several students who, due to various life circumstances, have spent even longer finishing their degree. Stuff happens, money runs out, people get sick, family members need care, more stuff happens. Without exception, those who have stayed with it long term have been happy about their decision to finish their degree, and they report that they have changed significantly as people during the process (as one might hope, after 7 or 8 or 9 years!). They may graduate later than their entering classmates, but they arrive at the finish line with significantly more life (and often, job) experience.
Personally, I don’t think I could do it, but if you can- do.
Of course you should finish. Don’t let all that work go to waste! No one cares how long it took you to get a degree (especially since you have worked during your studies) just that you have it. Remember, people don’t regret finishing college. They do regret not doing so. (Which is why even very, very successful dropouts often go back for them. Stephen Spielberg and Steve Wozniak are two examples.)