College cost could be cut significantly without DE, by applying to schools that would offer a full tuition (or higher) Merit awards. For some career path, taking some college classes in a summer is not a good idea. So, be careful! I read above about graduating at 20, but if you attend college for regular 4 years, you would be 21. Mine was 21 and she attended a 4 year college on full tuition Merit award. She had lots of credits, one DE and some APs, but she was in a program that did not allow to graduate earlier (she had a choice of accelerated program, but turn it down). Instead, she did not “hurry up” at all, but added couple minors to her major and had a ball at college, travel abroad, many other ECs. She did not take a single summer class, her scholarships did not pay for summer classes. Having relaxing summers with her friends was great! Something to remember, when you are working those 80 hours weeks in a hospital!