Education is free, but the “signal” will cost you, sometimes dearly. What if there is a job you want, but it requires a degree? Accounting, law enforcement, nursing to name a few, require that signal. You don’t have 4-6 years and thousands of dollars, but you are smart and know there is another way – actually a few.

• Credit by examination (CLEP)

The first 2 years (or more) of college are a re-do of high school. CLEP is a way to test out of these lower division courses and many of the upper division (last 2 years) of courses also. There are a group of colleges that accept all 34 tests. Combine some of the CLEP tests with work/volunteer experience and prior learning and projects, and you practically have a college degree. Most colleges accept at least some of them. You have to begin with your target school in mind. This is how those home schoolers you hear about get their bachelors degree at the same time as their high school diploma. Smarter not harder!

HS4CC This site is geared toward high schoolers but the formula can be used for any age.

https://homeschoolingforcollegecredit.com/30-ways-to-earn-college-credit-2/

CLEP’S official website https://clep.collegeboard.org

Modern States Website – https://modernstates.org/

Modern States provides Free CLEP test vouchers and free instruction courses. ( I am working through the College Math course and I do not love the instruction so I am learning the concepts outside of Modern States and completing the tests within the course to get the CLEP Voucher. )

• Competency Based Education – Online college

https://www.mydegreeguide.com/competency-based-degrees/

This is basically online school at your own pace. Many of the schools accept CLEP and prior learning. The kicker is you can breeze through courses pretty quickly if you are efficient and save yourself a great deal of $$$ and Time. You have to do some research to find a program that fits you, but the above link is a good start. Many big name schools are jumping on this bandwagon and delivering work-ready skills in partnership with industry leaders.

• College overseas

This is a bit scary for parents, but hear me out.

Many schools are free and most are low cost. This is because it is no frills, no sports teams, no lazy river water parks on campus, no extra non-learning fluff. The majority use English as the language of instruction and you finish in 3 years. You live in the community, not in a dorm at most schools. Internships are usually a requirement and facilitated by industry/school partnerships.

Depending on what city your target school is in, living expenses will be far less than the US. Many accept CLEP and community college credits.

Experience a new country, new culture, new language, new friends from around the world

win – win – win

It may take a bit more research and planning, but you will grow exponentially. Can you imagine putting that on a resume? You will stand out, guaranteed.

Another benefit… no crazy competitive application process or SAT’s(mostly not needed). If you apply and have the requirements, you are in. All that nonsense at American schools is designed to give the appearance of exclusivity – a marketing ploy.

If you are doing these or any other college hacks, let me know how it is going – drop me a line at hello@edsplosion.com