Quote:Through Google searches related to alternative college credit, I went down a rabbit hole that led me to a video about low-cost options and an online community of learners like me through a website called InstantCert Degree Forum. We leaned on one another to find the most affordable and efficient pathways to and through college. It was on this forum that I started to piece together my plan for going to college without taking on student loans. I began assembling a spreadsheet of what courses I would need to take and, importantly, where I could take them at a more affordable price. [...]

I earned 15 credits at my local community college, putting six toward my degree.

But there are also newer non-college options that can still count for college credit, while allowing you the flexibility to take courses on your schedule. I amassed a wide range of credits from online providers such as StraighterLine, satisfying course requirements in accounting, economics and business law at my own pace. I earned 51 credits from StraighterLine courses alone — more than 40% of the courses required for my program. (A three-credit course through StraighterLine starts at $59, with a $99 monthly subscription.)

It took all of the above for me to ultimately earn my degree. It’s important to do your research and identify programs that fit your learning style and desired price point. For example, I originally planned on taking more CLEP exams, but the nearest testing site was an hour away. I worked full time during much of this journey, so StraighterLine’s online courses and flexible schedule, as well as the free eTextbooks it provided, were a better fit. [...]

But some colleges and universities go above and beyond, simplifying the transfer process to make it easier for nontraditional learners to finish their degrees. I completed my education online at Thomas Edison State University, which has one of the most flexible transfer credit policies in the country. But many schools, such as the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Charter Oak State College, offer similar flexibility. Always look for those that accept the most transfer credits for your program.

I now have a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a concentration in general management. Since earning my degree in December 2020, I have been promoted at my company, from program coordinator to account manager. There’s no question that the knowledge and skills I obtained during my (perhaps) unusual academic journey are opening up new professional opportunities for me. As my overflowing, color-coded, three-tab spreadsheet of course costs and transfer rules demonstrates, this was not an easy undertaking. But my story shows that it is possible to get a bachelor’s degree and set yourself up for career success without taking on any student debt.

(06-23-2025, 12:39 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Yes, we've had this posted before, we've commented on it as well, here's the previous thread: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-Article-about-DegreeForum-journey