Earning College Credits for Free (or Inexpensively)

College students, especially non-traditional adult learners, often try to earn their college degrees as quickly and inexpensively as possible. They use a combination of methods to earn credits including traditional classroom classes, distance education classes and alternative testing. Colleges typically do not advertise these alternative ways to earn credits, so students often find it difficult to locate these lower cost options. In order to make finding and earning these credits easier, I have compiled a list of ways that I have discovered to earn free and low cost college credits.

1. FEMA Independent Study - The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers independent study classes in disaster management. These classes count as general education elective credits. FEMA offers these classes completely free to anyone interested. Yes, free! You can find a list of available classes that qualify for one college credit each at http://training.fema.gov/IS.

2. Aleks - If you are in need of college math classes, then Aleks is an excellent option. At www.aleks.com you will find classes in College Algebra, Statistics and Pre-Calculus that qualify for ACE credits. Even a novice in math will find this learning system easy to use and a fun way to learn. With some diligence, you can expect to pass a 3-credit class in a month or two. The cost is only $19 per month (no matter how many classes you are attempting).

3. Straighterline - Like Aleks, Straighterline offers ACE credits in several classes. Accounting I and II, Economics I and II, English I and II, Statistics and Pre-Calculus are all available. The cost for Straighterline is $99 per month. More information can be found at www.straighterline.com.

4. CLEP - CLEP exams are computerized tests that can be taken at area colleges and universities. These tests are pass/fail and cost $85 per test. With 34 tests available, college students owe it to themselves to work towards earning college credit through testing. Not sure how to study for a CLEP? Then check out below and learn how Instant Cert can help you prepare to take these tests. A list of available tests can be found at www.collegeboard.com.

5. DSST - Dantes/DSST tests were originally just for military personnel. These tests are now open to the general public. Dantes offers over 37 tests and cost $80 per test. Most of these tests are different than those available through CLEP, so you can double your credits through testing both CLEP and Dantes. You can find which colleges and universities offer these tests by going to www.getcollegecredit.com.

6. Instant Cert - While not a credit earning site, www.instantcert.com offers test preparation for most CLEP and Dantes tests. For the low price of $20 per month, you can successfully prepare for these tests with confidence.

Since each college and university has their own set of guidelines for non-traditional credits, it is important that you talk to your student advisor to see if they accept all of the above sources.