238 | How to Test Out of College While You're Still in High School
ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast
Achieving Financial Independence Through Strategized Savings
The guest speaker discusses their savings goals and strategies for achieving financial independence, including annual savings amounts, investment vehicles, and minimizing taxable income.
Most students spend four years and $40,000+ on their first two years of college. Jerry Born spent 59 days and $30.
This deep-dive unpacks exactly how he did it — and how you can replicate parts of his strategy. Jerry walks through the mechanics of earning college credits through platforms like Sophia Learning and CLEP exams, navigating credit transfer policies at traditional universities, and front-loading college credits while still in high school. The conversation reveals a blueprint for cutting college costs by understanding where the higher education system is flexible and how to exploit those gaps legally and strategically.
Timestamps & Key Topics
[00:00:41] Introduction and Context on College Costs
The current debate surrounding college costs and the options available to reduce them.
[00:03:12] 20 Years of Disruption in Higher Education
Brad shares insights on the significant changes impacting higher education today.
[00:04:01] Welcoming Jerry Born
Background of Jerry Born and introduction to his journey in cutting college costs.
[00:05:03] Strategies for Earning College Credits Efficiently
Jerry explains how to take advantage of online courses and programs to save money on college.
[00:05:56] Jerry's Experience with Sophia and Earning Credits
Personal experience of completing two years of college credit in 59 days for $30.
[00:12:39] Discussion on CLEP and Alternative Learning
Explanation of CLEP testing and other programs for earning college credit.
[00:20:36] The Importance of Credit Transfer
Tips on how to effectively transfer credits to traditional universities.
[00:21:27] University Shopping
Discussing the need to explore various universities for credit transfers.
[00:24:47] Streamlining Your Degree Progress
Jerry emphasizes maximizing credit hours to finish degrees faster and more efficiently.
Key Insights
- Achieving two years of college credit in just 59 days for only $30 is possible through innovative online programs.
- CLEP tests offer a way for students to earn college credits while in high school, significantly lowering the costs of higher education.
- Exploring multiple universities and understanding their credit transfer policies can aid in finding the best educational path.
Action Items
- Explore online learning platforms like Sophia for low-cost college credits [00:15:47]
- Utilize CLEP testing to bank college credits while in high school [00:24:29]
- Research accredited universities that accept alternative education credits to ensure a smooth credit transfer [00:21:27]
Resources
- Sophia Learning [00:15:47]
- Modern States Education Alliance [00:12:39]
- Excelsior College [00:20:36]
Terminology
CLEP — College-Level Examination Program, a series of standardized tests to earn college credits. [00:12:39]
SOFIA — An online platform offering accredited college courses for credit. [00:15:47]
72(t) Distribution — A method allowing penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement accounts under certain conditions. [00:52:04]
Related Episodes
- Episode 13: Free Money for Teachers [00:03:12]
▶ Listen Next: Ep. 239 — Future-Proofing Your Career in the New Economy | Essential Listening
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