The path to a college degree can be expensive and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to alternative credit pathways, students now have more options than ever to earn credits without following the traditional route. From competency-based tests to dual enrollment programs, these innovative methods allow students to save time and money while providing more flexibility in their educational journeys.

Here’s a look at the main alternative credit pathways available to college students, their benefits, and how they can help streamline the process of earning a degree.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams are among the most widely recognized methods of earning college credit in high school. Through AP courses, students engage in rigorous, college-level study in subjects ranging from biology to history, which culminates in an AP exam.

How It Works:

  • Students take AP exams at the end of the academic year, which are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Many colleges grant credit for scores of 3 or higher.
  • AP credits can be applied toward prerequisite or elective coursework in college, depending on the institution’s policies.

Benefits:

  • Cost Savings: The cost of taking an AP exam (around $97 in 2025) is far cheaper than paying for a full college course.
  • Head Start on College: Successful completion of multiple AP exams may allow students to skip introductory courses and even shorten their time in college.

Pro Tip:

If your high school offers AP courses, consider taking subjects that align with your intended college major. For example, aspiring engineers can focus on AP Physics or Calculus, while humanities majors might take AP English Literature or U.S. History.

2. CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) Exams

CLEP exams are another cost-effective way to earn college credits without having to sit through an entire semester’s worth of lectures. Offered by the College Board, CLEP tests assess a student’s knowledge in over 30 subjects, such as psychology, algebra, and foreign languages.

How It Works:

  • Exams are structured in a multiple-choice format and are designed to test knowledge that students may have acquired through prior learning or self-study.
  • A passing score (usually a 50 out of 80) can translate to college credit, depending on the policies of the receiving university.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Learning: Students can prepare on their own schedule, using free or low-cost study materials.
  • Affordability: CLEP exams cost about $90, which can save hundreds of dollars compared to traditional college courses.
  • Accessibility: These exams are open to high school students, adult learners, and anyone looking to advance their education.

Example: Imagine a working adult who has years of experience in management but hasn’t completed a degree. By taking the CLEP exam for Principles of Management, they could earn credit for their existing expertise.

3. Dual Enrollment Programs

High school students seeking a jumpstart on college often turn to dual enrollment programs. These programs allow students to take college-level courses, earning both high school and college credits simultaneously.

How It Works:

  • Students enroll in a participating college or university while still in high school and take courses that count toward their future degree.
  • Dual enrollment courses might take place on a college campus, online, or at a high school taught by college-certified instructors.

Benefits:

  • Significant Cost Savings: Tuition for dual enrollment programs is often reduced or subsidized. Some states like Florida even offer free dual enrollment for high school students.
  • Smooth Transition to College: Completing college-level coursework in high school helps students develop time management and study skills, making them better prepared for the challenges of higher education.
  • Faster Graduation: Students may enter college with half a year or more of credits already completed.

Tip for Success: Before enrolling, ensure that the college credits are transferable to your preferred university.

4. Credit for Prior Learning

For adult learners or students with significant work or life experience, earning credit for prior learning (CPL) is an effective alternative. This method involves converting non-academic experiences into college credit.

Examples of Eligible Experiences:

  • Professional certifications, such as IT credentials or real estate licenses.
  • Military training programs.
  • Volunteer work or jobs requiring specialized knowledge in specific fields.

How It Works:

  • Many colleges offer portfolio assessments where students document their prior experiences and provide supporting evidence of their knowledge.
  • Some institutions use standardized programs, such as the American Council on Education (ACE), to evaluate workplace training for credit eligibility.

Benefits:

  • Recognizes Real-Life Experience: CPL rewards students for skills they’ve already gained outside traditional academic environments.
  • Saves Time and Money: By bypassing courses that cover familiar material, students can reduce overall tuition and accelerate their studies.

5. Online College Courses

Thanks to the rise of online education platforms, students can now earn credits through accredited online classes at their own pace. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and StraighterLine partner with colleges to offer affordable courses that transfer directly as academic credits.

How It Works:

  • Students enroll in self-paced or instructor-led online courses, often focusing on general education requirements.
  • Upon successful completion, they receive certificates or transcripts that can be submitted to their degree-granting institution.

Benefits:

  • Flexibility: Students can complete coursework around their schedules, making this option ideal for working professionals or caregivers.
  • Cost-Effective: Online education typically costs less than on-campus courses, especially when covering beginner-level material.
  • Wide Range of Topics: From computer science to creative writing, there’s an online course for nearly every subject.

Example: Imagine a student aiming to transfer into a four-year university. They could complete general education courses like English Composition or Introduction to Sociology online at a fraction of the cost.

Benefits of Alternative Credit Pathways

These pathways to earning college credit offer numerous advantages for students from all walks of life.

1. Financial Savings

For individuals concerned about student loan debt, these alternatives provide substantial savings. Many allow students to eliminate the cost of multiple semesters, shrinking their overall tuition bill.

2. Flexibility

Traditional college schedules don’t always cater to students juggling jobs, families, or other commitments. By opening up options for asynchronous learning and self-study, alternative pathways allow everyone an equal shot at higher education success.

3. Faster Degree Completion

By accumulating credits before or in place of traditional courses, students finish faster. This offers a competitive advantage for starting a career or transitioning into graduate studies.