Graduating with more money in your pocket

SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. (WTHI) - Imagine graduating from college in less time and with more money in your pocket.

Saint Mary of the Woods College is making obtaining a Bachelor and Masters degree in four years, while keeping a bit more money, possible.

The goal for many college students is to graduate as fast, with as little debt, as possible.

“Many students and families would like to complete college a little faster for financial reasons. So, in essence, if you’re getting your Bachelor degree in three years, instead of four, you’ll save 25 percent,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Janet Clarke.

SMWC created a new program that allows business students to graduate in four years.

It’s call the 3-Plus-1- Leadership and Development Program.

“It’s the same number of credits, and the absolute same classes you would take if you were on a four-year program,” VP Clarke said. “It’s just on an accelerated format, where they take a higher load each semester, and work through the summer. It just allows them to have a little savings at the end.”

Business Administration senior Tracey Dykstra said she wished the program was available when she was a freshman.

“I definitely would have utilized the program. It’s definitely a cost and time savings, ‘cause you do get a high degree in less time; and you get to go out sooner and really focus, and gain lost of experience,” Dykstra said.

Though it’s convenient, it’s not easy. Clarke said it’s an accelerated program that the administration geared towards helping students get ahead in a rapidly changing business world.

“We also know the trends. Trends show that earning a graduate degree within that time…just helps them remarkably in the workplace,” VP Clarke said.

An idea of graduating faster with more money in your pocket is possible.

The program will start in the fall of 2013.