3 Ways to Graduate Early from College


Monday, January 4, 2021

Each semester that you spend in college can equal to thousands upon thousands of dollars. Learn how you might be able to prepare to graduate early now!


Earning a college degree is a huge step in any prospective college student’s life! Higher education, after all, can be a clear pathway to life-long benefits such as access to higher level jobs with better pay as well as improved career opportunities. A college degree is an important investment to make for your future! 

The time and money that students put into their college education will pay off in the short and long-term as they are able to take steps towards their professional and academic goals. Through the academic growth, professional networking and practice, personal development and more attained through a bachelor’s degree program, students will go on to chase and achieve their dreams.

The average cost of college tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 school year according to U.S. News & World Report are as following:
  • Private - $35,087
  • Public, out-of-state - $21,184
  • Public, in-state - $9,687

Students must pay tuition and fees each year! While many may have access to financial aid that covers a significant part of the tuition, many may not. Access to financial aid and scholarships depends on your college institution, your financial information submitted through the FAFSA, and financial aid requisites. 

If you are a high school student who is college bound, it may be in your best interests to think about what you can do so that you may graduate early.

Every dollar counts, and current and prospective college students can save money just by graduating early.


How can you graduate from college early?


One way to start is by earning college credit now, during high school.


Many of the best high schools in the U.S. offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. High school students who take these classes and pass their respective AP and IB exams can usually use the scores to apply towards college courses once they are enrolled in their college institution. 

In order to make sure that AP and IB courses will be counted for college credit, you will need to make sure that your respective college institution and the department that houses your college degree both accept the credit transfer.

Another way to start earning college credit in high school is by taking classes at a community college. Again, it is of utmost importance that you make sure that the college course offered at the community college will be accepted by your university and major department! You can do so by contacting the academic advisor’s office or department office at your respective college.

Another way to earn college credit during high school is by testing out of courses. 


For example, if your college or university requires that you attain an advanced level in a foreign-language but you have already taken four years of a foreign language, perhaps you can test out of the language requirement at your university!

Another way to graduate early is by maxing out your course credits each semester as well as potentially enrolling in summer and winter courses.


If you choose to take a full course load each semester as well as take courses during the summer and/or winter semester/quarter, you may be able to take enough courses that you can graduate early. 

Taking summer and/or winter courses can also help you spread out the college course load during more time so that you can keep your university grades from suffering. 



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