Lemondrop

College flew by for most of us. Could you imagine having to jam it into just three years?

It's becoming an increasingly popular option at some schools for students who want to save some money. Hartwick College, a liberal arts school in Oneonta , N.Y., announced this week that more students will be able to obtain a bachelor's degree in three years instead of four, an option at other schools such as Judson College in Alabama, Manchester College in Indiana, and Seattle University. But is a sped-up college experience viable -- or worthwhile?

The Early Bird Saves Bucks

In this time of financial fretting, some people just can't afford to be on the four- or five-year plan. Students who take the three-year plan at Hartwick -- completed by taking 18 credits each fall, four in a January term and 18 in the spring -- can save more than $40,000. Politicians have urged more colleges to consider this option, saying it will help both students and schools financially. In Europe, three-year undergrad programs are common.

But these students may find it hard to cram in all the necessary courses. Some programs require taking classes during summer and winter recess -- or online. Couple that with internships, research papers and applying for first jobs, and a third-year student might be mentally DOA on graduation day.

An "A" for Acceleration

Still, some students who went the three-year route say it was worth it, like Beth from Pennsylvania, who started college late and worked ahead to finish in three-and-a-half years. She saved about $3,500, which she used to pay back her student loans.

"Graduating with my class meant sticking to a pretty rigorous academic schedule at times," she told Lemondrop. "I took the full credit load each semester, in addition to summer classes. This proved time-consuming, especially since I worked part-time for an insurance agency throughout college. At times it was hard to juggle school, work and personal time, but in the end I never regretted my decision to graduate early. I was able to participate in a summer cross-country trip because of it, which made everything worthwhile."

Nisha, a senior at the University of Illinois, says she's saving a lot of money by graduating in three years. She'll also use the time she's gained to volunteer in Cambodia this summer. "I'm completely happy with it," she says. "Who knows, I might change my mind four years down the road, but right now I feel confident it's the right decision."

An "F" for Fun?

But does rushing to graduate sour all the sweet spots of the college experience? It is the last time in your life you can start your weekdays at noon, drink on Tuesday afternoons and live mostly off your parents. In fact, Waldorf College in Iowa is ending its three-year program because more students wanted a full four-year experience of learning and partying.

Cassandra, a college sophomore from Texas, said finishing in three years would be nice, but requires too much work. "I would have to go full time in the summer -- that's too much, plus working. I like four years, so I can enjoy my college life and not worry about all the work I have to do. Plus my school has a limit of hours we can take a semester and hours that can be transferred from different schools and such. And it would be more money to do summer classes."

Missing Out on More Experience?

Besides missing out on a year of fun, Jessica, a junior at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, says having to take extra classes may prevent students from taking internships, which could make them less marketable in the real world. "While graduating early could definitely save a student a lot of money, you have to wonder what that student will do upon graduation in this economy. Will there be jobs to offer someone who has had little-to-no work experience because they have been taking classes?"

Tell us: Would you have sped up college to save money?