: Schools like Thomas Edison State University allow you to submit a portfolio of your professional work history to be evaluated for college credit. 3. Credit Transfer Services

: Offers hundreds of courses that transfer to thousands of universities. Summary of Differences Legitimate Degree Diploma Mill (Illegal) Accreditation Regionally accredited (US) Fake or non-existent "accreditation" Effort Requires exams, papers, or projects Requires only a credit card Verification Can be verified via National Student Clearinghouse Will fail background checks Cost Paid per credit, term, or exam Paid as a "package price"

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree (Step-by-Step Guide) - Study.com

Some accredited universities allow you to move through material as fast as you can prove you know it. Instead of sitting in a classroom for 16 weeks, you take an assessment and move on.

: You can take exams through the College Board's CLEP program for around $95. Passing one exam can earn you 3–6 college credits instantly.

While you cannot legally "buy" a legitimate bachelor's degree without completing the required coursework, you can drastically reduce the time and cost involved through accredited fast-track programs. Attempting to purchase a degree from a "diploma mill" is illegal in many jurisdictions and can lead to severe career consequences, including termination or fraud charges.

: Offers similar competency-based pathways for working adults. 2. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)