Many accredited universities, such as Purdue Global , Penn State , and Colorado State University Global , allow you to earn credit for work or life experience.

You can "test out" of classes by proving you already know the material.

Technically, you cannot buy a degree from a real, accredited college or university. Legitimate institutions award degrees only after you have met specific academic requirements, including completing courses, passing exams, and earning a set number of credits.

Some schools allow you to write journals proving you have mastered course material through your life experiences, such as mastery of a second language. 2. Credit-by-Exam

You can submit a portfolio documenting your professional skills, certifications, and military training to be evaluated for college credit.

Programs like those at Western Governors University let you move through material at your own pace. If you already know a subject, you can take the assessment immediately and earn the credit. 3. Accelerated Online Degrees