Tips for Graduating Early
College is a major investment no matter what type of degree program you pursue, and it requires focus and organization to stay on track According to a recent national completion report, about 61% of students who start college earn a credential within six years of beginning their studies —(which represents the 150% mark of ‘normal’ completion time) a reminder that some students may take longer than the traditional four-year timeline to graduate.1 This reality may leave some students wondering: Is it possible to finish college in just three years?
One reason you may choose pursue a college degree is to increase your potential opportunities. It makes sense, that you may want to finish your degree program as quickly as possible so you can start pursuing a career path.
Saving money may often be another motivator for students trying to finish a 4-year degree early, especially for those accruing yearly student loan debt. There can be other advantages as well, such as being able to start a graduate program earlier than planned. Just make sure that finishing college in 3 years still leaves time for any necessary internships and preparation for important professional exams you may need before you can enter the workforce.
If you want to graduate sooner, you'll need to find ways to make the most of the time you spend in school. More than just taking the maximum course load that you're able to handle, also keep in mind these additional ways you may be able to complete your program in less time than you may have expected:2
- Online Programs – Look into flexible online programs that may enable you to complete additional courses faster than at a traditional college or university.
- AP Credits – If you took any Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school, make sure to look into whether you can receive college credit for these courses.
- Credit for Military or Work Experience* – Many schools and degree programs may offer credit for previous military and/or work experience. Talk to your registrar's office or academic advisor to find out if you qualify for any such program.
- Prior Learning Assessment - In addition to college credit earned at accredited postsecondary institutions, the following can also be evaluated for academic credit equivalency at AIU. Standardized Assessments including CLEP and DANTES Examinations
Explore AIU’s admissions process here.
1 National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2025). Yearly progress and completion report. https://nscresearchcenter.org/yearly-progress-and-completion/. (Visited on January 2, 2026).
2 National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). Undergraduate retention and graduation rates. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/ctr (Visited on January 2, 2026).
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual level. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2185584 12/2025