Dale Leatherwood shares little known strategies to help traditional and non-traditional students obtain a college degree faster and cheaper.  You can graduate from college with zero debt, or if you get a loan, it should be like a car payment, not a house payment.  Dale is a leader in higher education.  He is the chief marketing officer at Columbia Southern University and the co-founder of an education concierge firm.  You can reach Dale through LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daleleatherwood/

Some of the highlights Dale shares:  

• More than 42 million Americans have some college credit, but haven't earned a college degree
• Now is the best time to finish college and get a diploma - there are so many options! 
• How to graduate from college with zero debt
• Understanding how to use all the educational resources available such as:  transfer credit, CLEP tests, prior learning assessments, 3rd party online credit providers, etc.
• Finding flexible and attainable options
• If you require a school loan, it should be like a car payment, not a house payment
• Advice for non-traditional students
• How to get work experience and training evaluated for possible college credit
• How to finish what you started
• How to save time and money
• How to protect yourself from disappointment by getting it in writing
• Education can be the "tie breaker" that helps you accelerate your career
• Learning to move forward in small, attainable steps
• How to encapsulate former classes and experience into a certificate or Associate Degree
• Creating a game plan that works for you
• How to adapt education to meet your life
• Learn about tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement
• What is your objective?  
• Understanding the difference between Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes
• And more

Disclaimers:

Statement: “CSU ranks in the top 1% of schools for affordability.”

Disclaimer: Based on tuition and fees compared to 4-year U.S. Colleges with largest fully-distance enrollment (IPEDS 2022 Fall Enrollment Survey)

Statement: Any mention of transfer credits and evaluating experience for credit

Disclaimer: Pending Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process. Amount of transfer credits is dependent upon transcript evaluation.

Statement: “…nearly 2/3 of our recent graduates finish their degrees with zero (student loan) debt.”

Disclaimer: Data calculated from internal Columbia Southern University financial data, based on 65.1% with zero student loan debt from the graduating classes of 2021–2023

Statement: Any statement involving career advancement or student outcomes.

Disclaimer: Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.