Nontraditional methods of qualifying for a college degree are described in this student guide to off-campus study and examination. The three external degree institutions in the United States that offer these programs are discussed. They include: Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York; Thomas A. Edison College of the State of New Jersey; and the Board for State Academic Awards of the State of Connecticut. Each step toward earning an external college degree is explained from how to begin the process to a discussion of the effectiveness of off-campus learning. A guide for working with the external degree institution is presented as well as advice on how to learn independently. Nonresidence college programs (programs with lower attendance requirements than conventional college study) available to students are discussed and a listing of these institutions is provided. A chapter is included on the College Level Examination Program, the College Proficiency Examination Program, Regents External Degree Examinations, and Thomas A. Edison College Examination Program. Also addressed are: libraries as centers for external learning; and help that can be obtained from colleges, corporate or government employers, and from the armed forces. Personal accounts of student's experiences in external degree programs are also provided. (SF)