How to Finish College Faster: 10 Proven Tips for 2024
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on September 18, 2024
If you want to finish college faster and graduate early, you can take accelerated classes, test out of courses, try competency-based learning, earn credit for relevant work experience, or transfer credits you’ve already earned. A growing number of colleges and universities offer you the opportunity to use these proven methods to help you graduate college faster.
College can be an investment, and balancing classes with life’s demands can be challenging. We’ll show you flexible, innovative ways to accelerate your degree, making higher education more accessible and manageable.
If you are struggling with the daunting reality of spending hours in a classroom for the next several years, save yourself some trouble and spend a few minutes exploring better options.
The methods shared in this article are a good place to start . . .
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Exploring ways to graduate college faster can be a smart strategy for many students. We’ve gathered a list of methods that have shown promise in helping students like you accelerate their academic progress. These approaches range from creative credit-earning options to effective time management techniques.
While results may vary, these proven strategies have the potential to make your college journey more efficient and cost-effective. Let’s dive into these methods and see which ones might work best for your unique situation.
Back in the day, we had to sit in class for 16 weeks. Not anymore.
Now, many accredited universities offer 8-week online classes. You can earn credits faster without sacrificing quality!
More and more universities have started offering accelerated programs online. These classes usually range from 6 to 8 weeks long.
You can see a list of colleges offering fast-track classes in our accelerated online classes guide.
If you’ve had work experiences or other training that coincides with the instruction you’d get in the classroom, you may be able to earn college credit for it. Learning doesn’t always have to take place in a classroom.
I found that out first-hand when pursuing my degree. After working for 12 years at IBM, I presented documentation of this experience to my college and received credit for three entry-level computer science classes and one information technology class!
So, how can you turn your work or military experience into college credit?
Many colleges around the country offer credits for experience through what is called a credit for prior learning portfolio. In this portfolio, you will submit documentation of your various experiences and how they match class requirements.
Every school has different requirements and fees associated with submitting a prior learning portfolio, so be sure that you thoroughly understand your school’s policies before diving in!
If you want more control over your education, a competency-based degree program, like the ones offered by Western Governors University, can give you this control. This unique option allows you to set your own pace for a truly individualized program.
These degree programs are completed by passing a series of competency-based assessments. You study the material, and when you feel ready, you take an exam to show your understanding.
Many competency-based programs are paid for by session, rather than credit, so the faster you progress through your program, the lower the cost. How fast you can complete the degree depends on how quickly you can learn the information.
We’ve all been there – sitting through classes covering material we already know. But what if you could skip those courses and still earn credit? Let’s explore how you can leverage your existing knowledge to fast-track your degree. From CLEP to challenge exams, we’ll guide you through options that can save you time and money.
“Testing out” of college classes may seem too good to be true, but thousands of schools across the country accept recognized examinations as a way for you to earn credit for college courses. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is one of the most widely accepted exam programs.
Here are some fast facts about the CLEP to help you get started:
Every college has different policies for the number exam credits they will accept, so be sure that you check in with your advisor before proceeding with the CLEP. Most colleges limit credit by exam to 15 credit hours (typically about five college classes).
My college accepted up to 15 credit hours, and I took advantage of every single credit!
Formerly known as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, the DSST is another examination program that allows you to pass tests on a variety of subjects to earn college credit. Like the CLEP, this exam program is widely accepted, and more than 1,900 colleges and universities accept DSST credit.
When taking a DSST exam, you will be given two hours to answer 100 questions, and testing centers are located across the country. Each exam is $100, plus administration fees. If you are a military member, the DSST offers free, first-attempt testing at military bases and institutions across the United States!
Getting your degree on the fast track with Advanced Placement exams can be a great option if you’re willing to put in some extra effort. Typically, if you earn a score of three or higher on your AP exam, you can receive credit toward your college classes or advanced placement in your degree program.
Nearly all higher education institutions in the US accept AP credit, but not every school allows both credit and advanced placement—you will likely get one or the other.
You’ll want to check with your school’s admissions team to determine their specific policies, but either way, you will save time and money on your degree by advancing more quickly through your program.
Like the AP program, the International Baccalaureate allows high school students to complete college-level courses before graduating. If you are a driven high school student, this is an excellent option to look into to get a jumpstart on your education!
There are several different IB programs available. In the diploma program, students in their junior or senior year of high school can take a series of courses and assessments to earn a diploma recognized at colleges worldwide.
Whether you choose AP classes or the IB program is a personal decision, but completing a combination of both is often advantageous. Since IB is an international program, it’s important to research beforehand to see if your school is a participating institution.
If you are looking through the course descriptions for your upcoming classes and realizing that you already know the material, it is worth asking if your school offers challenge exams! Challenge exams are similar to the final exams given in specific courses.
While these may seem similar to CLEP, DSST, or other nationwide exam programs, there are notable differences. Some schools will not allow challenge exams if an equivalent CLEP or DSST exam is already available. Additionally, there may be other regulations, such as only getting one chance to pass the exam.
Most universities outline their challenge exam policies in their academic catalog, generally in the same section as info regarding CLEP and DSST acceptance and limitations.
Feeling the summer slump? Turn it into a degree-boosting opportunity! By enrolling in summer classes, you can knock out credits faster and potentially graduate early. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who take summer courses are more likely to stay on track and graduate within four years. Research indicates that summer enrollment can positively impact graduation rates, although specific percentages may vary.
Summer classes often have smaller sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. Plus, you can focus on challenging courses without the distraction of a full course load. Many universities offer online options too, giving you the flexibility to study while working or traveling.
Technology is constantly evolving, and the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) program is a great example of how improved technology can ultimately benefit college students.
Standard MOOCs offer free, open enrollment access to college-level courses for anyone interested—the typical drawback to this was the lack of ability to use completed courses as transfer credits for college. Times are changing though, and many schools are starting to jump on board with MOOC-style offerings!
Select schools now offer MOOC programs through edX.org. With this program, you can take courses at a significantly reduced rate and apply them to a degree program.
While some MOOC courses can be taken for free, earning credit for them requires you to pay a fee to the college, but this is usually cheaper than taking traditional courses. It’s important to research your school’s fee structure when deciding if this is a good route for you.
Are you a veteran who wants to advance your education? Did you know military training can count for college credit? Well, it’s true!
Several options are available for veterans and active service members who want to turn specialized training into credit toward a degree. Three of the most common options to get credit for military training are:
Every school has different policies for accepting credit for military training, and some schools only transfer credit to electives instead of degree-specific courses. To avoid any issues, check with your school beforehand and thoroughly review their policies.
If you are a high school student who wants to get a head-start on college, dual credit can be a great way to get a leg-up on your future degree program. Dual credit programs allow high school students to take college credit classes before graduating. This means that the credit you earn goes toward both your high school requirements and future college credit!
These dual credit courses are real college classes and will appear on your transcript when you apply to begin your undergraduate degree. They are also much cheaper than taking classes outside of high school.
Transfer credits can be a significant advantage in helping you finish college earlier. By transferring credits from previous institutions, AP courses, or other eligible programs, you can potentially reduce the number of classes you need to complete for your degree. This not only helps you save on tuition costs but also shortens the time it takes to graduate.
According to data from the NCES, students who successfully transfer credits often see a quicker path to graduation, making the college experience more efficient and cost-effective.
Many options for speeding up your college education involve getting credit for previous college courses and learning experiences, and the American Council on Education (ACE) is the gold standard for deciding what can be accepted as college credit.
The review team for the ACE is made up of subject matter experts who evaluate what experiences can or cannot be substituted for college courses. The ACE offers academic credit recommendations that have the following benefits:
The process of obtaining ACE credit is fairly straightforward. If you’ve successfully completed an ACE-recommended course, exam, or certification, you can get an official transcript to submit to your school for credit.
If you want to earn a degree without spending years dragging yourself to college classes, there are several options to get on the fast track to graduation. With research and determination, you can turn your prior knowledge and experience into verifiable college credit and earn your degree faster than ever!
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