Graduating from college in the snowy month of December, instead of with flowers in May, is not as uncommon as one would think.
"I had every intention of gradating early," said Rob Pore, a 21-year-old University of New Hampshire student who is due to graduate this December. "I feel if I can get the course work done in three and a half years, I should do it."
Pore is majoring in Spanish, with the hopes of becoming a teacher.
This semester, UNH is planning on awarding 363 students their bachelor degrees, up from 340 students in December 2007. The reason behind this early graduation ranges from the choice to carry a condensed course load to having a great job lined up right after graduation.
However, the underlying theme continues to circle around funds. With the cost of college increasing every year, it's no wonder money and tuition bills are on this soon-to-be graduates mind. Currently, UNH in-state tuition is $17,985, and $30,435 for out-of-state students.
"It's a financial decision," said Pore. "Once my parents moved out of state, I knew I was going to be charged out-of-state tuition for my junior and senior year."
Megan Hales, an employer relations and campus recruiting counselor in Hood house, agrees the combination of the current economy and the cost of college has something to do with the reason why some students are graduating early.
Hales said there is a plus of graduating in December - the candidate job pool is smaller.
"It's always difficult looking for jobs," said Hales. "[A good job is] definitely not going to fall into their laps. You've got to formulate a plan and stick to it."
"Thankfully, I did a summer abroad in Mexico that helped me get a few more credits," he said. "Also, I studied abroad in Spain, which gave me 20 credits."
Danielle Costanza, 23, is also scheduled to graduate this semester and receive her bachelor's degree with a duel major in Spanish and music education.
"The music education program is a five-year program," said Costanza. "I doubled up on a lot of things. Technically you can finish earlier, [but] I didn't want to pay that much money so I condensed my course load."
Although Costanza expressed excitement about graduating, she still has reservations.
"I'm sad about leaving," she said. "Things have worked out really well for me. My transition was very nice and I'm slowly getting away from UNH."
So what's after graduation?
Hales encourages students to ask as many questions as they can. When searching for the right job Hales said graduates need to understand it could take time.
"I remember graduating and not knowing what I wanted to do," she said. "But if grads come in to meet with a career counselor, we can give them resources."
Hales also expressed the importance of having a backup plan.
"I don't think graduating a semester early makes students any less prepared," said Hales. "Experience is what builds a resume; so students who've studied abroad or worked during their years at UNH are a plus."
Pore holds similar feelings about his preparedness to enter the job market a semester early.
"It's not that I didn't do four years worth of work - I just did it in three and a half," he said. "I can't afford school and I'm ready to move on. I'm excited to go out there and put my skills to use, instead of racking up more debt."
Currently, there are no ceremonies for students graduating in December.
"Degree candidates who choose to attend the May Commencement ceremony receive a facsimile diploma at that time, and once they have been certified, receive the actual one in the mail," said Bev Comtois of registrar's office. "Students who have had their degrees certified earlier in the year, as in September or December, are invited to attend the May ceremony if they wish."
A total of 1,776 students are currently scheduled to graduate at the end of the spring semester.
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