As you begin your college search, make sure you’re looking at schools that offer certain benefits that will help you get your degree faster.
Your education is your investment – one that pays dividends when it comes to your career and your financial stability. Advanced education comes with a myriad of benefits, including higher earnings and better employment prospects, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The quicker you earn your degree, the faster you can reach your career goals and see a worthwhile return on that investment.
Carving out the time and money needed to earn your degree can really pay off. College graduates earned weekly wages in 2018 that were 80% higher than those of high school grads. Plus, the BLS reports that Americans with a bachelor’s degree have average weekly earnings of $1,173, compared to $712 a week for those with a high school diploma. So, the sooner you can earn your degree, the more earning potential you’ll have.
The path to earning a degree isn’t always easy and fast, however. Adult learners may already be working full time, and have lives that can’t be interrupted to complete the traditional four-year, in-classroom college pathway. The good news is, you have options. Earning your degree faster starts with enrolling at a school that fits your lifestyle and your timeline.
Three Ways to Get Your Degree Faster
As you begin your school search, make sure you’re looking at institutions that offer the following to get you to your degree faster:
1. Flexible scheduling
Even though adult learners account for nearly 74% of the undergraduate student population, there are still schools that don’t offer flexible scheduling for those already working full time. Look for a school that fits your lifestyle – not the other way around. Schools with online courses, for example, allow you to earn your degree on your own time, while night courses can also accommodate a busy day-to-day work schedule. You also might want to look for a school that offers year-round classes online or on campus, which will allow for much quicker completion time.
2. Transfer credit and credit work for work/military experience
Always make sure the school you’re transferring to will allow most, if not all, of your credits to transfer along with you. You shouldn’t have to waste time and money re-taking all the course work you’ve already completed. Seek out a college or university that understands the value of your prior experience, whether that’s from work, school or the military. At Herzing University, it’s likely you’ll be able to build on what you already have, whether it’s credits from somewhere else or life experience.
3. Accelerated programs and dual-credit options
Accelerated programs and dual-credit options allow you to do more in less time, speeding up the process of getting your degree so you can start earning as soon as possible. With dual credits, many students find it much easier to reach their long-range educational goals and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
For example, at Herzing, qualifying students have the opportunity to complete up to four graduate-level courses, which can be applied as electives or course substitutions, setting yourself up for your next degree while earning your current one. Herzing students have the fastest way to get from point A to point B. We provide the exact classes and course work you need in the order you need them, helping you get on with the life you want, faster, reaching your financial, career and life goals at a pace that works for you.
