17-Year-Old Earns College Degree Before High School Graduation

NeeAli Scott, a 17-year-old senior at Savannah Arts Academy in Georgia, has accomplished an impressive feat by earning her college degree before even graduating from high school.

Scott recently graduated from Savannah State University with an associate of science degree, nearly a month before receiving her high school diploma. She officially graduated from Savannah Arts Academy on Monday, May 20.

In an interview with WJCL, Scott shared that she hasn’t yet decided which college she will attend next, but she is particularly interested in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). She aims to study to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

“I would like to work in an inner-city hospital and give back to the youth here in Savannah or wherever I may end up,” Scott said.

Scott explained her motivation to pursue a degree early, saying, “I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free. In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free. So that’s already half of the associate’s degree.”

She acknowledged that some college-level courses were more challenging than others, but she persevered and succeeded.

Scott’s mother, Sabriya Scott, celebrated her daughter’s achievements on Instagram, expressing immense pride and gratitude. “Today my baby did her BIG one!! She’s OFFICIALLY a Savannah State University Graduate at 17 years old,” she wrote. “She just graduated from College before graduating from High School.”

Sabriya highlighted the obstacles NeeAli overcame, being a 2-pound micro-preemie at birth, and praised God’s work in her daughter’s life. “Congratulations NeeAli Scott for being an amazing kid!! We ❤️ you!”

She also thanked everyone who supported and celebrated this milestone with NeeAli.

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