Is there a disadvantage in landing a job if I graduate in 3 years?

Hi. I am a highschool senior applying to colleges: lots of targets that are reaches and some non-targets that will hopefully give me money.

Money is important. On WashU's website the est. cost of attendance for the class of 2024 is $321k. GOD that's A LOT of money.

I recently explored the possibility of graduating early. I could graduate from WashU in 2.5 years and Emory in 3 years, which would save $75k-100k plus the opportunity cost of the extra year of working. I want to do this at some "higher up" targets like Cornell and Dartmouth if I get in.

Will graduating in 3 years put me at a disadvantage when applying for jobs? I will be competing with people a year older and have less on my resume (I plan to compensate by doing research with a professor during the year, holding leadership positions in business clubs, and trying to get an internship next summer before I enter college.... lol it may or may not happen). How much networking do you still need to do at targets? How much preparation is needed for the interviews/ overall experience for the job?

This is important for me when deciding which colleges to go to. It would be a lot easier for me to choose a good college for $75k less + money from extra year working than a complete non-target for a full-ride.

 

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