6 Ways to Save Money Earning Your Degree

April 19, 2021 10:57am

The cost of earning a degree is one of the biggest factors adult learners take into consideration when deciding whether to return to the classroom. But there are ways to minimize the overall cost and time to completion! Here are some factors to consider.

Bypass common fees

As an online learner at Southwestern College, you will cut down on costs by avoiding added expenses like activities, transportation, graduation application, campus infrastructure, and online course fees that you might otherwise experience at a number of other colleges! The only fee online learners at SC are responsible for paying is a $30 technology fee per academic session.

Earn credit for prior college, work, and military training

At SC you can take advantage of a generous credit transfer policy. Learners can transfer up to 75% of their degree to an undergraduate degree program. A total of 94 credits are accepted toward bachelor’s degree programs and up to 64 credit hours are accepted from two-year schools. Learners can also transfer up to 30 credit hours from CLEP and DSST exams. Military learners can be awarded for their prior military training as well. All of this can drastically accelerate your time to completion and overall cost.

Take advantage of group tuition rates

Southwestern College offers generous tuition rates of just $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate programs to all active duty military and their spouses, DoD civilians, and members of the Guard and Reserve. Southwestern College is also proud partners with a variety of colleges and organizations, offering graduate and employees special tuition rates.

Maximize your associate’s degree

Learners can avoid wasting time and money taking courses they have already completed. Most general education requirements are waived with AA, AS, and AAS degrees!

Apply for the New Learner Scholarship

There are many scholarship opportunities available to you as an adult learner. And as a new bachelor’s degree-seeking learner at Southwestern College, you are eligible to apply for the Southwestern College New Learner Scholarship as long as you are without financial assistance from an organization. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to four credit hours during your first academic session!

Stack a certificate with your degree

In addition to more than 20 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs at SC, there are a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level certificates available. Many of these certificates are stackable with the degree programs, giving you additional credentials to include on your resume. Some can be earned by taking just a couple of extra classes, while others can be earned at no additional cost!