Discover how one determined student cut her bachelor's degree timeline in half while balancing work, volunteering, and a full course load.
Student Success Spotlight: Olivia H.'s 2-Year Bachelor's Degree Journey
Quick Stats:
Degree: Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology
Timeline: 2 years (50% faster than traditional 4-year plan)
Method: StraighterLine online courses + strategic planning
Result: Early career start + significant cost savings
Getting ahead and graduating early was a top priority for Olivia. Now that she's in the final semester of her Forensic Psychology degree, she says the flexibility offered by StraighterLine classes played a big part in her early graduation. Here's how this online college course platform helped her graduate a whole two years ahead of schedule!
The Challenge: Balancing 18 Credit Hours While Graduating Early
Olivia already had a full course load with 18 credit hours, but if she wanted to graduate early, she needed to find a way to add more coursework to her already busy schedule. While she was used to online classes, she was hesitant about not having a live instructor for all her lessons.
What Olivia needed:
Flexibility to fit around her existing 18-credit schedule
Affordable tuition rates that wouldn't break the bank
No rigorous deadlines that would add stress
Guaranteed credit transfer to her university
In her own words, "I was looking to take a few extra classes … but I needed something that wouldn't have any rigorous deadlines or fees that were super expensive. I was looking for something that would be more affordable."
How StraighterLine Became the Perfect Solution
Discovery Through Academic Advising
Olivia heard about StraighterLine's from her advisor during her freshman year in college. "I immediately knew that I was going to be a perfect fit," she said. She liked that StraighterLine would allow her to "work, volunteer, and just complete all of my regular coursework all at the same time."
Why StraighterLine Worked for Olivia's Lifestyle
Traditional Courses | StraighterLine Courses |
| Fixed Schedules | Learn anytime, anywhere |
| Higher per-credit costs | Affordable monthly subscription |
| Limited summer options | Year-round availability |
| Rigid deadlines | Self-paced learning |
After her initial success with StraighterLine during the school year, she took it a step further with summer classes. She was able to travel and work from anywhere while still making progress toward her degree.
User Experience: What Made All the Difference
Olivia found the platform incredibly user-friendly:
"The system was super easy to understand and to use, and I always had a good idea of where I stood in my class. The grading was done quickly and there were even percentages to let you know how much of the coursework you had completed so that you could schedule out assignments as needed. The final was also easy to access, and the proctoring system was very easy to get along with as well."
Key Platform Features Olivia Loved:
Progress Tracking: Real-time percentages showing course completion
Quick Feedback: Fast grading turnaround times
Scheduling Tools: Built-in assignment planning capabilities
- Flexible Testing: Easy-to-use proctoring system
Results: Two Years Early to Graduation Day
"I'm now graduating with my bachelor's degree in two years instead of the regular four. This means I can also start my career two years earlier!"
The Seamless Credit Transfer Process
One of Olivia's biggest concerns was whether her credits would transfer properly. The process turned out to be surprisingly simple:
Completed StraighterLine courses
Requested official transcript
Submitted to university registrar
All credits transferred exactly as needed
"All of the credits transferred exactly as I needed them to, and all I had to do was send my transcript from StraighterLine to my university. I wish more people knew about the affordability and ease of access that StraighterLine offers."
Would she recommend StraighterLine? "I have and will continue to recommend StraighterLine to others."
Expert Tips for Graduating Early Like Olivia
1. Make the Most of Transfer Credits
If you're still in high school:
Ask if your school offers AP or IB credits that transfer to your target university
Consider College-Level Examination Program (CLEP Exams) to test out of subjects you already know
Explore dual enrollment opportunities
Explore getting ahead by taking online college courses with StraighterLine
If you're already enrolled in a degree program:
Ask your academic advisor about online or summer courses for early graduation
Research platforms like StraighterLine that have helped 350,000+ students graduate on their own schedule
2. Plan Your Degree Path Strategically
Another important factor in early graduation is strategic planning! By prioritizing required courses or prerequisites from the start, you can avoid unexpected delays.
Planning Phase | Action Items | Timeline |
| Freshman Year | Map all degree requirements | Month 1-2 |
| Course Selection | Prioritize prerequisites first | Each semester |
| Summer Planning | Identify accelerated options | 6 months ahead |
| Credit Verification | Confirm transfer agreements | Before enrollment |
3. Take a Heavy Courseload — But Only if It's Sustainable!
Your graduation date depends on completing all your degree requirements. Taking 15–18 credits per semester may seem like the way to graduate early — but only if you can manage it! Remember that your grades and well-being are important too.
Sustainable Course Load Guidelines:
15-18 credits: Standard acceleration pace
19+ credits: Usually requires dean approval
Summer sessions: Typically 6-12 credits maximum
Online supplements: Add 3-6 credits per semester with platforms like StraighterLine
Don't commit to more courses than you can sustain. If you do plan a heavy courseload, try to choose classes or schedules that won't overwhelm you later.
StraighterLine by the Numbers: Why 350,000+ Students Choose This Platform
Platform Statistics
Student Success: 350,000+ graduates and counting
Course Catalog: 75+ online college courses available
University Partners: 180+ guaranteed transfer schools
School Acceptance: 3,000+ institutions accept StraighterLine credits
Cost Savings: Up to 80% less than traditional tuition
Course Categories Available
General Education Requirements:
Ready to Start Your Journey Like Olivia?
Olivia is just one of the 350,000+ students who have used StraighterLine to get their degree on their own timeline. If you're looking for a more flexible way to reach graduation day, StraighterLine might be perfect for you!
Next Steps for Prospective Students
Take the Free Preview — Explore StraighterLine's platform risk-free
Consult Your Academic Advisor — Verify credit transfer policies
Create Your Degree Map — Plan your accelerated timeline. Our Enrollment Specialists can help you get started!
Choose Your First Course — Start with general education requirements
Ready to Follow Olivia's Path to Success?
Get started with a Free Preview to experience the platform that made Olivia's 2-year bachelor's degree possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Graduation
Question: How much can I save by graduating in 2 years instead of 4?
Answer: Students typically save $40,000-$80,000 in tuition costs plus 2 years of earning potential.
Question: Will employers view an accelerated degree differently?
Answer: No — your diploma shows the same degree with the same accreditation regardless of completion timeline.
Question: How do I know if StraighterLine credits will transfer to my school?
Answer: Check the partner college list or contact your registrar to verify transfer agreements before enrolling.
Question: Can I work while taking accelerated courses?
Answer: Yes — Olivia successfully balanced work, volunteering, and coursework using StraighterLine's flexible format, and so can you!
Congrats, Olivia!
Ready to write your own success story? Join the 350,000+ students who've accelerated their education with StraighterLine's proven online learning platform. Check out our courses to get started.
