🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa Nehring from True North Academy encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students’ values, goals, and future career prospects.
Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing students with real-world, marketable skills for the digital economy.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 📉 The College Shift: Post-pandemic, many colleges have lost value, raised prices, and shifted away from skills-based education and community-building.
- 💸 Cost vs. ROI: Most students graduate in 6 years with $30K+ in debt. Without a clear vocational plan, this can be a poor investment.
- 🎯 Smarter Strategy: Use dual enrollment + CLEP exams to earn transferable college credits early.
- 🧾 Gen Ed Blueprint: Focus on Composition I/II, College Algebra, Intro Sciences, Social Sciences, and Diversity classes.
- 🏛️ CLEP-Friendly Colleges: Consider “The Big Three” — Thomas Edison, Excelsior, Charter Oak — for flexible, affordable, accredited degrees.
- 💡 Alternative Paths: Entrepreneurship, online business, and skills-based certifications offer legitimate, lower-cost career readiness.
💻 Tools + Programs from True NorthAcademy
- 🎓 Dual Enrollment + Free Academic Advising (Visit the Academic Advising Tab)
- 🔎 Career Exploration Course
- 🛠️ High school electives with real-world skills: Entrepreneurship, Photoshop, Video Editing, and more.
- 📚 Young Professionals Series – career-track guides (law, mental health, health occupations, and more)
📌 Quotes to Remember
“College should be pursued with clarity, focus, and financial wisdom—not just because it’s what everyone else is doing.”
“Help your kids develop ‘otherness’—unique skills and experiences that stand out on applications and in life.”
“It’s time to rethink college as one of many viable paths, not the only ticket to success.”
🔗 Additional Resources
🙌 Connect with Us
- Website: truenorthhomeschool.academy
Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
