Colleges on a Quarter System

Colleges Operating on the Quarter System

When searching for the right college, students often focus on a school's location, academic programs, and campus culture. However, an equally important factor to consider is the academic calendar. While the majority of US colleges and universities operate on a traditional semester system, a significant number use a quarter system. This calendar divides the academic year into three 10-week periods—fall, winter, and spring—with an optional summer term. For students, this can mean a faster pace and the opportunity to take more classes and explore a wider range of subjects throughout their time in college.

A quarter system can be an excellent choice for students who thrive on variety and a faster pace. Instead of taking four or five classes over 15 weeks, you might take three classes in a 10-week period, which can allow for a deeper, more focused study of each subject. It also provides the flexibility to explore different departments and disciplines, as you can take more classes over your four years. This is a great way to discover new interests or satisfy general education requirements with a wider selection of courses.

This list highlights a variety of schools that have successfully adopted the quarter system. Some of the most well-known are the University of California campuses, including UCLA, UC Berkeley (which transitioned to semesters), and UC San Diego. Other prominent schools on the list include the prestigious Dartmouth College and Northwestern University. You can also find technical and arts-focused schools like Drexel University, and Rose–Hulman Institute of Technology. From large public universities to private liberal arts colleges, this list provides a comprehensive overview of institutions that have embraced this unique and often beneficial academic schedule. Dive into this list to see if the quarter system is the right fit for you.