Many of you may be asking yourself, “Is a college education really worth it?” The answer is a resounding “YES!” - if an extra million dollars and increased career satisfaction sounds good to you. Studies show that the average lifetime earnings difference between those with a college degree and a high school diploma is nearly one million dollars. Studies also show that 59% of those with a college degree have a sense of importance and accomplishment in their jobs, but only 36% of those with just a high school diploma feel the same way.

But, many of you graduate high school with big dreams and empty pockets. However, you shouldn’t let that keep your dream a fantasy. Let’s look at some of the college options that can make a college degree a reality.

How Can I Make My College Options More Affordable?

There is no way around it, college is expensive. The startling fact is that there are over 43.3 million Americans with student debt, for a total of $1.26 trillion. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do that can reduce the cost of your college education.

If you’ve kept your high school grades up, there are scholarships and awards for which you could be qualified. Even if you didn’t receive all A’s throughout high school, you aren’t out of luck. In addition to merit-based scholarships, there are scholarships for going into a specific field of study, for family members of company employees, for writing an essay, and more.

There are federal grants – free money - that go unclaimed every year. In 2013, $2.9 BILLION dollars in Pell Grant money alone was missed out on by high school seniors because they failed to send in a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Don’t be one of the 47% who don’t complete the FAFSA.

Make (and stick to) a budget. Buy used textbooks. If going to college locally, think about living with your parents. If you will live off-campus, consider roommates to save on utilities and carpool to reduce costs. You could work part-time to pay some of the college costs – though colleges rarely have flexibility in class times, so there could be conflicts.

The Money and Time Saving Option for Everyone

Every savings option you take adds up. But the option that can potentially save you the most is the one that anyone, regardless of academic or financial background, can take advantage of – credit-by-exam. How do you know which colleges will give you the most credit, or which courses you can take for credit-by-exam? Achieve Test Prep has the answer.

We work with you to find the best college option available, and help you determine which classes you will be able to take through credit-by-exam. A few weeks of prep classes and you will be able to take and pass one exam to receive the same credit you would for a full semester course. With day, night, and weekend classes, we have the flexibility to meet your schedule, so there are fewer work or family conflicts. Plus, you have the option of taking the classes on one of our many conveniently located campuses, or through our virtual live online classes - with all the interaction of a classroom, but from the comfort of your own home. By reducing the number of semesters you will have to take to get your degree, you save thousands in tuition and related fees. You also save because the textbooks are provided free of charge.

To find out more about how our credit-by-exam program can save you time and money over traditional programs, contact Achieve Test Prep today!