If you've taken college classes, you might be closer to finishing your degree than you think. This guide explains how to find, transfer, and use your old credits so that you can finally earn your degree without starting from scratch, all the while saving time and money.

Hack 1: Realize You Might Be Closer Than You Think

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A typical bachelor's degree requires about 120 credits, but you don't need to earn them all at one college or over a total of four years. Many adults already have credits from community colleges, universities, or online programs, which can add up faster than expected. Even if you've been out of school for years, those credits could still count toward your degree.

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Hack 2: Understand What Counts as Transferable Credit

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"Prior credit" includes any accredited college coursework you've completed in the past, online or in person. Many schools also accept nontraditional credits, such as:

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• CLEP exams or DSST  

• Military training

• Professional certifications

• Employer-sponsored courses or development programs

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The crucial step here is finding a transfer-friendly school that values and evaluates your experience fairly.

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Hack 3: Request and Review Your Transcripts

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Even if it's been years since you last enrolled, your previous colleges still have your records. Request official transcripts and send them to your prospective school. The admissions office will review them to determine:

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• Which credits transfer directly into your program

• Which apply as electives or general education

• Which may not transfer due to age, specialization, or curriculum mismatch

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Not every credit will count, but even partial transfers can significantly reduce your time to graduation.

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Hack 4: Check Whether Your Credits Expire

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The lifespan of your credits depends on the subject and the school. Technical fields like computer science or healthcare often have expiration limits because the material changes quickly. However, general education credits, such as English, math, and history, typically remain valid for years.

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Many schools evaluate older credits individually, so don't assume they're useless, especially if the content hasn't changed much.

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Hack 5: Use Affordable Alternatives to Finish Faster

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Once you know what credits transfer, you can strategically fill the remaining gaps. And instead of taking every class through your degree-granting college, you can complete general education or elective courses through low-cost, accredited online platforms such as:

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• Study.com

• Sophia Learning

• StraighterLine

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Credits from these providers are accepted by many universities, and they can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars while allowing you to study at your own pace.

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Hack 6: Build a Personalized Plan to the Finish Line

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Once your transfer evaluation is complete, create a plan for completing the rest of your credits. You can:

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• Take core classes directly through your chosen college

• Use online providers for general education requirements

• Combine part-time enrollment with your work schedule

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With this flexible approach, you stay in control of cost, timing, and workload. Remember, it's not about shortcuts but smart planning.

Hack 7: Aim for the Long-Term Payoff

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A bachelor's degree is still one of the most valuable career investments. It increases your job options, boosts earning potential, and builds confidence in your professional growth. Even if you've paused your education, your past efforts give you a head start.

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With that, you're not beginning at zero; you're just continuing where you left off.

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Use Your Credits, Finish Faster, and Finally Earn That Degree

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You don't need to start over to finish strong. Use your old credits, explore transfer-friendly schools, and take advantage of low-cost online courses to complete your degree faster and for less money. Remember, every credit you've earned is a step closer to your goal.

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Want more ways to finish your degree efficiently? Check out other Degree Hacked guides for insider tips on saving time, saving money, and reaching the finish line: your degree.