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An Alternative Path to a College Degree

Marisa Pullan • June 25, 2022

Education and College Credit - A Different Path to a College Education

When you look at older generations, it was drilled into us that you HAD to get a college degree by doing down a traditional educational path. That's simply not the case anymore. There's more to earning college credit that goes beyond AP and CLEP tests.

Sure, dual enrollment is an excellent option, but it's not the only way to earn college credits that will count towards your degree. Today, we're talking about how you can earn college credit without going down the more traditional path, which means we're not talking about dual credit, AP, or CLEP exams. Instead, we're talking about strategically earning college credits in a way that's more convenient for learners.

Arizona State University Universal Learners Program
The Arizona State University Universal Learners Program offers steeply discounted courses to prospective students in their first year of college. These online offerings allow you to test the waters without risking too much money while earning credits and learning about yourself at an affordable price! You only pay a nominal fee upfront to register for the course, and if your course ends with a 'C' or higher and it's completed successfully, you can opt to pay for the class and receive college credit.

Learn more by visiting their website - Arizona State University

ACE Credits
The American Council on Education (ACE) has created a system to help students identify appropriate credit recommendations for courses that they take. This includes evaluating workforce training, military experience, and other sources outside of class time such as national exams or certifications. 

The College Credit Recommendation is determined by an evaluation process that takes into account what kind of learning opportunities can be found in your work setting after graduation from school; this helps narrow down where you should go next with regards to what type of credits could apply towards completing certain degrees at different universities.

Examples of places to earn ACE credits include Sophia, Study.com, and ALEKS.

Alternatives to Earning College Credit
DSST Credit - Dantes Subject Standardized Test
A great way to receive college credit for what you already know is through the DSST exam, which was started as an offering from military members in order earn educational benefits outside of class time and now available nationally by Prometric test centers! You can also take these exams online with Remote Proctors if scheduling doesn't work out well on your schedule or at all when taking it straightaway so make sure that he/she knows about both options beforehand.

You can study for DSST credit exams with various resources like Study.com, Petersons.com, and Free Clep Prep guides.

Thomas Edison Credit By Exam Program (TECEP)
The Thomas Edison Credit By Exam program allows students to earn college credits and demonstrates their knowledge at an advanced level. You pay for the exam only, which is $50 or more per credit hour of lower-level course work or $75 higher-level course work earned through it. For example: If you take three exams worth one semester each on Monday mornings between 9 am -11:30 am, then my total fees would be$150 ($25 x 3 hrs = 75).  These exams translate to college credit.

Learn more about degree completion by visiting their website, Thomas Edison State University.

Professional Certifications
Classes like those at Embark Learning Center are a great entry into the IT world. For example, if the student takes the classes and passes the exams, they can be awarded credit for professional certifications at different colleges like Western Governor’s University.

You would have to check with your prospective university to see what will transfer, but if you contact them or review the listings on sites like Sophia or Study.com, you may find them on the list.

A Few Last Thoughts
A college degree doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg or be inconvenient, nor do you have to pursue a traditional degree. When you learn about the different resources available, you come to realize that learners have so many opportunities that weren't available 20 years ago. Take advantage of them, reduce future student debt, and get to a place where you can live your life successfully.

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