How to Hack College
Most of us have adopted the idea that in order to be successful, one will have a higher chance of gaining success by achieving a college degree. If one continues to pursue additional degrees the rate of success increases. While for some this may be true, taking that route can drive many people into long-term financial strife attempting to achieve this goal. The cost of higher education continues to increase with an average cost of college tuition in the 2019-2020 school year to be $10, 116 up to $36, 801 for a private institution. As the ideas remain the same, the methods to pay for them are also successfully leading people further from financial success at a high rate.
A recent story developed detailing a boy who graduated college at 9 years old. This only shows how motivated much younger students want a shot at reaching their degrees against many odds. From a chance to fast track success to saving thousands of dollars, there are nationally-accepted methods to do just that. Below are 6 approaches that can allow you to hack your college education.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment is a national program that allows students as young as in 7th grade to take college courses for free or at a reduced price. This option can drastically reduce or eliminate a families education cost and give a student a great start to pursue their own college dreams without debt.
Students can enroll in college while still in middle or high school, while replacing their classes for college classes and receive dual credit. Students can take as few as one college class all the way up to 120 total college credits to receive a bachelor’s degree. Check out more about what is dual enrollment and if you qualify.
Advanced Placement (A.P.)
Advanced Placement is provided by most high schools as an advanced class of the College Board, A.P. is a course that a college can possibly give college credit to when they apply. Although the acceptance from the school is not guaranteed, the student must pass the corresponding end of year exam. Currently, each exam costs approximately $94, which is less expensive than a college class, but students must be sure that it will attribute credit in your future college.