For many learners, navigating the path to a college degree can feel overwhelming. Tuition rates can be cost-prohibitive, college schedules can be inflexible, and balancing school with work or family commitments is challenging. An approach called credit by exam is a tool to make higher education more affordable and accessible.

Credit by exam allows students to earn college credits by passing standardized tests instead of taking traditional semester-long classes. These tests are accepted for credit by thousands of colleges and universities nationwide. For learners, this can translate into significant savings – both in tuition dollars and in the time it takes to complete a degree.

Modern States is the leading organization making the credit by exam pathway possible through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), a proven program offered by The College Board. CLEP exams are available in 32 subjects, including math, history, science, literature, and business. Each exam is designed to measure the knowledge a student would typically gain in an introductory college course.

Why Credit by Exam Matters

Credit by exam is a powerful strategy for learners looking to make college more affordable and achievable. Through offerings like CLEP, learners can demonstrate what they already know and earn college credit without sitting through a full semester-long course. This is particularly valuable for learners who previously studied a subject or gained exposure in an informal learning environment, like the workplace.

Modern States helps make this pathway accessible for even more learners, including those who have never studied a subject, by offering free online courses that prepare learners for CLEP exams and by covering the exam fee for those who complete their coursework.

Combining CLEP exams with Modern States courses creates a transformative new model that…

• Reduces the cost of college. Passing a CLEP exam can replace a three-credit course, often saving students thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. With Modern States covering exam costs, learners can pursue this option at no out-of-pocket expense.
• Saves time toward a degree. Instead of taking a full semester to earn credits, learners can study on their schedule, sit for a CLEP exam when ready, and accelerate their path to a degree. This can shorten the path to many degrees.
• Offers flexibility for busy learners. Working adults, parents, and students juggling multiple responsibilities can prepare for exams on their own timeline. Modern States’ self-paced courses make this pathway accessible anytime, anywhere, helping relieve scheduling bottlenecks that preclude college or delay graduation.
• Rewards existing knowledge. Many learners already know much of the material in introductory courses, whether from high school, work experience, or military service. Sitting in a class makes little sense, but these learners need a way to show their knowledge.
• Expands access to higher education. By removing cost and time barriers, credit by exam helps more learners start and finish college. For many, programs like Modern States provide the stepping stone they need to stay on track academically and financially.

This pathway empowers learners of all ages to take control of their educational journey. Whether someone is in high school, enrolled in college and working toward a degree, or returning to school, credit by exam offerings like CLEP and Modern States offer a proven, accessible path to earning college credit.