How to Accelerate Your College Graduation and Save Money

College expenses shoot up with every year, meaning more and more students have to depend upon loans and scholarships to put them through school. A surefire way to save money on your college expenses is to graduate early. This way you pay lower tuition (because it will inevitably go up sometime before you graduate!) and spend less money on housing, meal plans, and activities fees. While accelerating your college graduation means hard work, planning, and determination, it will definitely save you money in the long-run and allow you to pursue your post-graduation goals earlier.

Here are some tips for graduating early from college, starting in high school:

Take AP and IB exams: If your high school offers AP and IB classes, take them but, more importantly, take the respective exams. You can even take the exam without taking the class if you prefer studying on your own but you will have to register with the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) to order your exam. The exams typically cost about $80 but if you can get file for financial assistance if you need it. Many American colleges and universities accept AP credit if you score a 3 or higher on the test; IB exams are more commonly accepted at international colleges so if you want to study at a college abroad, this should be your test of choice. You might also want to research CLEP exams and other college equivalency tests.

Explore dual-enrollment: Many high schools across the country have dual-enrollment programs with the local community college. Dual-enrollment programs allow qualified high school students to take classes at their local community college and earn both high school and college credit for their courses. Depending upon your high school's policies, you may even get to take the classes for free or at a discount. Even if you have to pay full price for the community college classes, it's still cheaper than taking classes at a four-year college now and certainly cheaper than what the tuition prices will be by the time you've graduated from high school.

Enroll in a full course load in college: Graduating early means working hard and making the extra effort, which means that you must enroll full-time and take as many classes as you know you can handle. A full course load at most colleges typically means about 15 to 18 credits, or three to five classes per semester. If you slack off and only take one or two classes per semester, it will take you much longer to graduate.

Study over the summer: Some colleges only offer classes in the Fall and Spring semesters but more and more colleges are offering alternative semesters. Although Summer semester is the most common alternative semester, you should research whether your college offers abbreviated Winter and Spring semesters. You might be able to take a class or two over winter or spring break.

Earn credit for your internship: Not all colleges have internship programs but, if you're lucky, yours does. Many companies and organizations that offer internships give students course credit instead of a stipend for their work. Check with your department to see an internship during the school year or summertime will earn you any kind of graduation credit. Some colleges, or at least certain majors, make internships a graduation requirement. Interning for credit is doubly useful because it also gains you job experience and allows you to network with members of your future industry.

Sidebar: Avoid graduating too early! Graduating one or two semesters early, however, is reasonable. If you graduate too early, you will miss out on some valuable aspects of the college experience. Motivate yourself but make time for friends and campus activities, as well.