--- title: "Dreaming of My College Options: From Fantasy to Reality" description: Believe it or not, you've got a wide range of college options. Read on to think them through! image: http://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/images/nursing_career.jpg --- Call Today [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380) [Student Login](http://achievetestprep.force.com/) [![logo](https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/logo.svg "logo")](https://atpco.io/) - [NURSING DEGREES](https://atpco.io/medical) - PROGRAMS - BRIDGE PROGRAMS - [• LPN to RN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs) - [• LPN to BSN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-bsn-program) - [• Paramedic to RN](https://atpco.io/paramedic-to-rn-program) - [• Paramedic to BSN](https://atpco.io/paramedic-to-bsn-programs) - [• CNA to RN](https://atpco.io/cna-to-rn-programs) - [• Medical Assist to RN](https://atpco.io/medical-assistant-to-rn-program) - [• EMT to RN](https://atpco.io/emt-to-rn) - [• Surgical Tech to RN](https://atpco.io/surgical-tech-to-rn-program) - [• LPN to N Practitioner](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-nurse-practitioner) - [• LPN to Physician Asst](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-physician-assistant) - [• RN to BSN](https://atpco.io/rn-to-bsn-programs) - FULL DEGREE PROGRAMS - [• Nursing](https://atpco.io/rn-bsn-programs) - [• Respiratory Therapy](https://atpco.io/respiratory-therapist-healthcare) - [• Physician Assistant](https://atpco.io/physician-assistant) - [• Healthcare](https://atpco.io/healthcare-degrees) - MISC PREP COURSES - [• NCLEX PN Prep](https://atpco.io/nclex-pn) - [• NCLEX RN Prep](https://atpco.io/nclex-rn-review) - COLLEGES - [• College List](https://atpco.io/earn-your-degree-from-a-fully-accredited-school) - [• Accreditation](https://atpco.io/accreditationnursing) - [• Credit Transfer](https://atpco.io/transferring-credits-nursing) - HOW IT WORKS - [• How it Works](https://atpco.io/credit-by-examination) - [• About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us) - [• FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq-rn-bridge-programs) - [• Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support) - [• Students Against Busywork](https://atpco.io/students-against-busywork) - [• Benefits](https://atpco.io/benefits-rn-bridge-program) - [• Class Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule) - CUSTOMER SUCCESS - [• Nursing Reviews](https://atpco.io/college/Testimonials) - [• Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results) - [• Achieve Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customersupport) - [• Job Placement](https://atpco.io/jobkeyplacementassistance) - [• Blog](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog) - [• Nursing Success Stories](https://atpco.io/testimonials-b) - [COLLEGE DEGREES](https://atpco.io/student) - PROGRAMS - [• Business](https://atpco.io/business-degree) - [• Computer Science](https://atpco.io/computer-science-degree) - [• Criminal Justice](https://atpco.io/criminal-justice-degree) - [• Dental Hygienist](https://atpco.io/dental-hygienist-programs) - [• Education](https://atpco.io/education-degree) - [• Fire & Emergency Management](https://atpco.io/fire-and-emergency-management) - [• Fire Science](https://atpco.io/fire-science-degree-program) - [• Healthcare](https://atpco.io/healthcare-degrees) - [• Pharmacist](https://atpco.io/pharmacist-programs) - COLLEGES - [• College List](https://atpco.io/accredited-colleges) - [• Accreditation](https://atpco.io/accreditation) - [• Credit Transfer](https://atpco.io/transferring-credits) - HOW IT WORKS - [• How it Works](https://atpco.io/credit-by-examination-student) - [• About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us) - [• FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq) - [• Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support) - [• Students Against Busywork](https://atpco.io/students-against-busywork) - [• Benefits](https://atpco.io/benefits-bridge-program-student) - [• Class Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule) - STUDENT SUCCESS - • Reviews - [• Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results) - [• Achieve 911](https://atpco.io/customersupport) - [• Job Placement](https://atpco.io/jobkeyplacementassistance) - [• Blog](https://atpco.io/college) Search S [![Request More Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/133275/cdbd43ae-7bc2-4364-9a87-d8a5649150a8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/cdbd43ae-7bc2-4364-9a87-d8a5649150a8) ## Dreaming of My College Options: From Fantasy to Reality ![nursing_career.jpg](http://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/images/nursing_career.jpg)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](http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2014/05/05/federal-reserve-college-education-worth-830000-more-than-high-school-diploma/#43363b6943e9) 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](http://www.55000degrees.org/why-college/) 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](https://studentloanhero.com/student-loan-debt-statistics-2016/) 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](http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/over-2-point-nine-billion-in-free-college-money-unclaimed-by-students-why) 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](https://atpco.io/credit-by-examination-student). 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](https://atpco.io/bloggd)! [![Click here to learn more about credit-by-exam](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/133275/cb662376-cd00-4509-93e1-aeeeaac2f21a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/cb662376-cd00-4509-93e1-aeeeaac2f21a) Topics: [College Success](https://atpco.io/college/topic/college-success) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque vitae convallis lectus. ![lady-on-call-image](https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/Achievetestprep_Nov2018/lady-on-call-image.jpg) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla. Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper. Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi. ![Blog-post-image](https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/Achievetestprep_Nov2018/Blog-post-image.jpg "Blog-post-image") Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla. Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper. Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi. ![student-academic-study-image](https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/Achievetestprep_Nov2018/student-academic-study-image.jpg "student-academic-study-image") Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla. Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper. Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi. ### Subscribe to Our Blog Via Email #### Get in Touch ## Your degree and dream job are closer than you think Call us at [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380) or [![Request Information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/133275/4e750952-eaed-49ed-bdb6-2f7c6885429b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/4e750952-eaed-49ed-bdb6-2f7c6885429b) ## Location Achieve Test Prep, 228 Park Avenue South #29831, New York, New York 10003-1502 ## Contact Phone: [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380) Fax: [(888) 900-0825](tel:8889000825) Email: [info@achieve-test-prep.com](mailto:%20info@achieve-test-prep.com) ## Hours Mon to Fri: 9 AM to 9 PM EST Sat: 9 AM to 2 PM EST ## Connect With Us ## Resources - [About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us) - [FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq) - [Course Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule) - [Course Descriptions](https://atpco.io/classes-description) - [Customer Success](https://atpco.io/customersupport) - [Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support) - [Privacy Policy](https://atpco.io/achieve-test-prep-privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://atpco.io/terms-and-conditions) - [Customer Announcements](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog) - [Customer Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results) - [Prep Portal Login](https://prep.achievetestprep.com/) - [Careers at Achieve](https://atpco.io/careers) View All Locations - [BIRMINGHAM, AL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-alabama-birmingham) - [TAMPA, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-tampa) - [DETROIT, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-detroit) - [WAYNE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-wayne) - [CLEVELAND, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-cleveland) - [YORK, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-york) - [MONTGOMERY, AL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-al-montgomery) - [ATLANTA, GA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-georgia-atlanta) - [GRAND RAPIDS, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-grand20rapids) - [WOODBRIDGE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-woodbridge) - [COLUMBUS, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-columbus) - [PROVIDENCE, RI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-rhode-island-providence) - [ANCHORAGE, AK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-alaska-anchorage) - [BOISE, ID](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-nursing-programs-in-idaho-boise) - [LANSING, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-lansing) - [WAYNE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-wayne) - [TOLEDO, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-toledo) - [COLUMBIA, SC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-south-carolina-columbia) - [LITTLE ROCK, AR](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-arkansas-little-rock) - [CHICAGO, IL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-illinois-chicago) - [MINNEAPOLIS, MN](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-programs-in-minnesota-minneapolis) - [ALBUQUERQUE, NM](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nm-albuquerque) - [OKLAHOMA CITY, OK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-oklahoma-oklahoma-city) - [SIOUX FALLS, SD](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-sd-sioux-falls) - [DENVER, CO](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-colorado-denver) - [FORT WAYNE, IN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-indiana-fort-wayne) - [SAINT PAUL, MN](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-programs-in-minnesota-saint-paul) - [MELVILLE, NY](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ny-melville) - [TULSA, OK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-oklahoma-tulsa) - [KNOXVILLE, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-tn-knoxville) - [EAST BERLIN, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-east20berlin) - [INDIANAPOLIS, IN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-indiana-indianapolis) - [ST. LOUIS, MO](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs-missouri-st-louis) - [NEW YORK CITY, NY](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ny) - [PORTLAND, OR](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-oregon-portland) - [MEMPHIS, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-memphis) - [HARTFORD, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-hartford) - [DES MOINES, IA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-iowa-des-moines) - [NASHUA, NH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-nh-nashua) - [CHARLOTTE, NC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nc-charlotte) - [ALLENTOWN, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-allentown) - [NASHVILLE, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-nashville) - [NORWALK, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-norwalk) - [BALTIMORE, MD](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-md-baltimore) - [MARLTON, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nj-marlton) - [RALEIGH, NC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nc-raleigh) - [KING OF PRUSSIA, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-king-of-prussia) - [AUSTIN, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-austin) - [JACKSONVILLE, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-jacksonville) - [BOSTON, MA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-massachusetts-boston) - [PRINCETON, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-princeton) - [FARGO, ND](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-north-dakota-fargo) - [PHILADELPHIA, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-philadelphia) - [DALLAS, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-dallas) - [ORLANDO, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-orlando) - [WORCESTER, MA](https://atpco.io/rn-bsn-programs-in-ma-worcester) - [SEA GIRT, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nj-seagirt) - [CINCINNATI, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-cincinnati) - [PITTSBURGH, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-pittsburgh) - [HOUSTON, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-houston) \* Only the latest pass/fail result per course per customer is used. We use approximately the last 24 months of results in our calculation. Customer failed results are only counted as part of this calculation if the customer completed the course, which is defined as at least 85% attendance and 85% completion of assignments for that specific course. Results do not include college entrance or state license exams. \*\* Achieve Test Prep is a college education consultant and test preparation center that helps you earn your degree faster. Achieve Test Prep is not a college and does not issue degrees or give college credit. The programs listed above and elsewhere on this website are test preparation programs offered by Achieve Test Prep to prepare you to take exams from an independent accredited college or an independent testing center. Achieve purposefully remains independent and does not align itself with any college nor do we commit to any agreements with any college. By being truly independent, we offer a non-biased approach to recommending the best possible college route to our customers. While Achieve Test Prep is very knowledgeable on the policies and procedures of many colleges, the final decisions about credits and degrees rest with the colleges. You must independently apply for and be accepted into a college. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dina Francis", "url" : "https://atpco.io/college/author/dina-francis" }, "datePublished" : "2016-09-08T16:59:00.000Z", "headline" : "Dreaming of My College Options: From Fantasy to Reality", "image" : [ "http://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/images/nursing_career.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://atpco.io/college/dreaming-of-my-college-options-from-fantasy-to-reality", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://atpco.io/hubfs/Achieve%20Only%20Logo-1.png" }, "name" : "Achieve Test Prep" } } ```