How To Save Money and Time as a College Student

Summary

This video discusses how to save both time and money during college by utilizing CLEP (College Level Examination Program). The host shares personal experiences and offers practical advice on reducing tuition costs and accelerating degree completion. By taking CLEP exams in subjects like chemistry, psychology, and calculus, students can earn college credit without taking the full course, saving both time and money. The video encourages students, whether prospective or current, to consider this option to reduce their academic load and the financial burden of attending college.

Takeaways

• 😀 Some students may be able to finish their bachelor's degree in 2-3 years instead of the typical 4 years, saving both time and money.
• 😀 Reducing the overall cost of tuition is a significant concern for many college students, with some universities charging $300 per credit hour for in-state students and up to $1000 for private universities.
• 😀 In addition to tuition, students should consider other costs such as books, housing, commuting, and car repairs when estimating the total cost of attending college.
• 😀 Time is a valuable resource for college students, as they spend significant amounts on commuting, attending lectures, studying, and preparing for exams.
• 😀 One way to save both time and money in college is by taking College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, which allow students to earn college credit for knowledge they already have.
• 😀 CLEP exams can be taken in various subjects, such as chemistry, psychology, American government, and foreign languages, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition fees.
• 😀 A typical college chemistry course can cost between $900 to $3000, while a CLEP exam for the same subject can cost less than $100, saving students money and reducing their course load.
• 😀 CLEP exams are particularly useful for students who have already studied subjects in high school, such as AP courses, and have a foundational knowledge in those areas.
• 😀 Some common subjects available for CLEP exams include American government, western civilization, French and Spanish languages, economics, sociology, calculus, and English literature.
• 😀 By passing a CLEP exam, students can earn college credits without having to attend a traditional course, helping them graduate faster and at a lower cost.

Q & A

What is the primary topic of the video?

The video primarily discusses how to save both time and money while attending college by using the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to earn college credits.

What is CLEP and how does it help students save time and money?

CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. It allows students to earn college credit by passing exams in various subjects, which can save them both time (by reducing the number of courses they need to take) and money (by lowering tuition fees).

How expensive is college tuition, according to the video?

The video mentions that public universities charge around $300 per credit hour for in-state tuition, while out-of-state tuition is more expensive. Private universities can charge around $1,000 per credit hour or more. A full-time student taking 12 credits could face tuition costs of around $12,000 per semester.

What additional costs, aside from tuition, do students face while attending college?

In addition to tuition, students face costs for books, rent (if living in a dorm or apartment), transportation (such as commuting to school), and car repairs.

How much time do students typically spend on college-related activities?

Students spend significant time commuting to and from school, attending lectures, studying for exams, completing assignments, and preparing for tests and final exams.

What are the benefits of using CLEP exams instead of traditional college courses?

CLEP exams allow students to earn college credits without attending the actual courses. This can save them hundreds to thousands of dollars in tuition fees and reduce the time needed to graduate.

How much can students expect to pay for a CLEP exam compared to taking a full course?

A CLEP exam typically costs less than $100, whereas a full course can cost anywhere from $900 to $3,000 depending on the subject and the university.

What kind of subjects can students test out of using CLEP exams?

Students can take CLEP exams in subjects like American government, Western civilization, foreign languages (Spanish and French), microeconomics, sociology, psychology, calculus, college algebra, chemistry, and English literature.

Is CLEP a good option for all students?

CLEP exams are most useful for students who already have some prior knowledge in a subject, such as through high school AP courses. If a student has no background in a subject, they may need to take the full course instead.

What should students do if they want to take a CLEP exam?

Students should study the subject material, register for the CLEP exam at their local college or university, and then take and pass the computerized test to earn college credit.