Elaine Melnik sped her way through college by earning college credits in high school, then signing up for a new Central Washington University program that allowed her to complete all but one course for her bachelor’s degree for about $20,000.

Melnik’s friends ask: How are you done with your bachelor’s already — is that even possible? “I say, ‘Yes, it is,’ ” said Melnik, who’s starting her next degree, a master’s, while working full time as an IT analyst for a law firm.

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