If you’ve been told that finishing your degree in four years is the fastest route to success, I’m here to challenge that idea. By the end of this article, I’ll have you convinced that taking longer to get your degree will actually put you ahead of your peers.
We’re not talking about slacking off or dragging out your education for no reason. This is about working full-time while earning your degree, saving aggressively, and graduating in a stronger financial and professional position. By strategically extending your time in college, you’ll have more time to build experience, save money, and increase your salary.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
By working full-time and investing $1,000 per month, here’s how much you could have saved by the time you graduate:
- 4-year degree: ~$56,726
- 5-year degree: ~$73,967
- 6-year degree: ~$92,639
That’s a significant difference. More time in college means more time to build wealth before you even step into the post-grad workforce.
More Time to Earn, Save, and Increase Your Salary
Build Higher Earning Potential
The longer you stay in school while working full-time, the more opportunities you have to increase your salary.
- Don’t stay in one place. Job hop when opportunities arise to increase your pay. Leverage your previous experience to earn a bigger salary.
- Internships often prioritize applicants with office experience over those who only have campus jobs or classroom projects.
- In the 2025 job market, experience is everything. “Entry-level” jobs now require years of experience, making it harder for new grads to compete. But if you work full-time through college, you’ll graduate with real-world experience that puts you ahead of the pack.
A More Manageable College Experience
- With fewer classes per semester, you’ll have less homework, less stress, and a better balance between your social life and academics.
- Working full-time allows you to study while collecting a paycheck instead of being completely dependent on student loans.
- Instead of finishing college broke and starting from scratch, you’ll finish with a house, rental income, and an even better-paying job.
Strategic Benefits of Spreading Out Your Education
This approach becomes even more advantageous if you’re still figuring out your major. Instead of rushing to complete a degree you’re unsure about, taking more time allows you to make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
By extending your degree timeline strategically, you’re setting yourself up for a future of financial stability, career success, and a better quality of life. Why graduate in four years when five (or six) could set you up for far greater success?