Key Takeaways
Most colleges use the semester system with two 15-week terms each academic year, while the quarter system divides the year into three or four 10-week terms.
Semesters allow for deeper learning and stronger faculty connections, while quarters offer faster-paced classes and more course variety.
The right choice depends on your learning style — semesters use slower but steadier pacing, while quarters favor flexibility and faster progress through curricula.
While most traditional academic years last from around August to May or June, there are two different systems that determine the structure of the academic year and the length of classes.
They are the semester system and the quarter system.
When you are researching what colleges you want to apply to, consider whether the school is on a semester or quarter schedule.
The semester system is similar to what most students experience in high school. It consists of two terms — around 15 weeks each. Semester-long courses are usually worth three or four credit hours each.
The quarter system consists of three or four shorter terms, each typically lasting around 10 weeks. Quarter courses tend to be worth two or three credit hours each.
Which system is better for you depends on your learning style preferences. Read our guide to learn the pros and cons of each system.
What Is a College Semester System?
The semester system is the more common of the two academic calendar systems. Usually there is a fall semester that runs from around August to December and a spring semester that runs from mid-January through May.
A typical full-time student's semester course load is about 12-18 credit hours, or about 4-6 classes each term. A part-time student's semester course load is less than 12 credits, or three classes or fewer, per term.
Students may choose heavier or lighter course loads depending on the difficulty of their classes and their other responsibilities, such as a job or family obligations.
The last week of the semester is typically reserved for final exams.
What Is a College Quarter System?
The college quarter system divides the academic year into fall, winter, spring, and, sometimes, summer terms.
Fewer colleges use the quarter system. The shorter timeframe means content is typically covered at a faster pace. Each quarter lasts about 10 weeks.
Students on the quarter system typically take fewer courses a term than students in the semester system. The average full-time student on the quarter system typically takes 3-4 courses per term, or 9-12 credits.
Pros and Cons of the Semester System
Because semester terms are longer, they create more time for in-depth learning and for connections with classmates and professors.
However, by taking fewer classes over the course of your program, each class you take in the semester system has a bigger effect on your overall GPA.
Pros of the Semester System
More time for in-depth learning
More time to form relationships with professors and classmates
Similar system to most high schools, which allows for an easier transition from high school to college
Cons of the Semester System
Fewer courses in a year
Fewer classes means each class has a bigger impact on your overall GPA
Less flexibility in your class scheduling
Smaller class loads per term
Opportunity to take more classes and study more diverse subjects
Classes delivered in shorter amounts of time — typically just 10 weeks
Cons of the Quarter System
Fast-paced classes
Less flexibility for internship or study abroad opportunities
Can feel like there are continuous exams since finals are given at the end of every quarter term
Colleges That Have the Quarter System
Not all college systems have the quarter system. In fact, most schools are on the semester system. If you're interested in shorter, 10-week terms, consider this list of colleges that are on the quarter system:
California Institute of Technology
Central Washington University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Drexel University
Eastern Oregon University
Northwestern University
Stanford University
University of Oregon
University of Washington
Frequently Asked Questions About Semesters and Quarters in College
It depends on the school you go to. But typically, quarter terms are in the fall, winter, spring, and, sometimes, summer. Many colleges start the fall quarter in September and the winter quarter in January.
