10 Cheapest & Fastest Ways To Earn College Credits

Discover the cheapest and fastest ways to earn college credits, including CLEP exams, community college courses, online programs, and transfer options.

Earning college credits doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. Many schools recognize that students bring different experiences and backgrounds, so they offer flexible ways to move ahead. Options like credit-by-exam, online courses, and prior learning assessments can help you cut tuition costs and shorten your path to a degree.

If you’ve been wondering how to get college credits fast, you have more choices than you might think. Below, we’ll cover some of the cheapest and fastest ways you can reach your academic goals.

10 Cheapest & Fastest Ways To Earn College Credits

Finding the fastest way to get college credits depends on your goals, budget, and how quickly you want to finish your degree. Some students prefer testing options, while others choose online classes or community college courses. The following strategies will show how you can earn affordable credits quickly.

1. Take CLEP Exams

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) lets you test out of subjects like math, English, history, and science for about $90 per exam. If you earn a passing score, many colleges award the equivalent of three or more credits, helping you skip basic classes. Because CLEP is widely accepted and much cheaper than a full course, it’s one of the quickest and most affordable ways to move forward.

2. Earn Credits Through DSST Exams

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) were originally created for military service members but are now available to all learners as a flexible credit option. Covering subjects from business and technology to social sciences and health, each test costs around $85 to $100. Many colleges accept DSST credits for transfer, so this is a practical way to shorten your degree path without overspending.

3. Use Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Scores

High scores on AP or IB exams can often be converted into college credits, allowing you to bypass introductory courses. While this pathway is common for high school students, adult learners who completed AP or IB classes in the past may also benefit. Using these credits reduces your overall course load and can ease both your schedule and your budget.

4. Take Online Courses for College Credit

You can earn credits at your own pace and at an affordable rate with online courses from providers recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE), such as: 

• Study.com online courses

• Sophia Learning online courses

• StraighterLine online courses

With monthly subscription costs often under $100, you can finish general education requirements quickly and transfer them to many colleges. These self-paced classes are one of the most budget-friendly ways to keep moving forward.

5. Try Prior Learning Assessments (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) award credit for what you already know from work experience, certifications, or military service. Schools may ask you to submit a portfolio, take an exam, or provide documentation to prove your skills. By turning experience into credits, PLAs help you avoid retaking material and paying for classes you don’t need.

6. Enroll in Community College Summer or Winter Sessions

Community colleges often offer short summer or winter sessions that last just a few weeks, giving you the chance to earn credits faster than a regular semester. Tuition is usually affordable, and the courses are designed to transfer to four-year colleges. This option is great for both full-time and part-time learners who want to stay on track.

7. Use Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment Programs

Dual and concurrent enrollment programs let high school students take college courses early, often at a reduced tuition rate or even free through local partnerships. These credits usually transfer to colleges, giving you a head start on general education classes. By the time you graduate high school, you may already have a semester or more of college completed.

8. Explore Competency-Based Education Programs

Competency-based programs allow you to move through classes as soon as you show mastery of the material, rather than waiting for a semester to end. Schools like Western Governors University use this model to help motivated students finish degrees more quickly and at a predictable tuition rate. The faster you learn, the faster you can earn credits and graduate.

9. Take Online MOOCs With Credit Options

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) from platforms like Coursera or edX give you access to classes designed by major universities at a fraction of the cost. While many MOOCs are free to audit, some offer credit-bearing options for a modest fee. These courses can sometimes be transferred into degree programs, making them a low-cost way to pick up extra credits.

10. Maximize Transfer Credits

One of the easiest ways to move forward is by transferring credits you’ve already earned. Previous college coursework, professional certifications, or military credits can often count toward your degree, but it’s important to check each school’s transfer policies. Maximizing transfer credits means fewer classes to retake, lower tuition, and a faster path to graduation.

How To Earn College Credits Quickly: A Closer Look

While all of these options can speed things up, some strategies work better depending on your situation. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how exams, online courses, and transfer credits each offer unique advantages for earning credits fast.

How To Get 15 College Credits Fast

If you want to earn 15 credits quickly, combining credit-by-exam with short community college courses can be a smart approach. For example, passing three CLEP exams could give you nine credits in subjects like English composition, U.S. history, or psychology. Adding two accelerated community college classes—often completed in just a few weeks—can bring you to the full 15 credits without the cost or time of a full semester’s load.

Here’s how a timeline might look: you take three CLEP exams during the first month of the semester, banking nine credits right away. At the same time, you enroll in a winter or summer community college session and complete two fast-track courses worth three credits each. By the end of that term, you’ve earned 15 credits—essentially a full semester’s worth—in just a fraction of the time.

How To Get 30 College Credits Fast

Earning 30 credits quickly is like finishing an entire year of school, and it’s possible by combining multiple affordable options. For example, you could take five CLEP exams (about 15 credits), add five online ACE-recommended courses (another 15 credits), and reach 30 credits without sitting through traditional semesters. This approach is not only fast but also far cheaper than paying full tuition at a university.

A sample plan might look like this: pass five CLEP exams over two months while completing five ACE courses at your own pace during the same term. Together, those credits equal the work of a full year. Since many colleges accept both CLEP and ACE credits, this plan works best if you confirm transfer policies in advance.

How To Get 60 College Credits Fast

If you’re highly motivated, you may be able to complete 60 credits—the equivalent of two years of college—in just one year. The key is combining a full-time course load with alternative credit options. For example, you could take 12 to 15 credits per semester at a community college, add winter and summer classes, and stack CLEP or ACE credits on top to hit the total. While this path is affordable and efficient, it requires serious commitment.

Here’s an example of how to get 60 credits in a year: complete 15 credits in the fall, 15 in the spring, six during winter, and six in summer. Add four CLEP exams and four ACE courses throughout the year, which can bring in another 18 credits. That’s 60 credits total—but keep in mind this plan is extremely demanding, so it only works if you can dedicate most of your time to school.

Are Cheap and Fast Credit Options Legitimate?

It’s normal to wonder if cheaper and faster credit options are really recognized by colleges. Programs such as CLEP, DSST, ACE-recommended courses, and Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) are well-established and widely used. Thousands of colleges accept these credits because they’re designed to measure the same knowledge you’d gain in a classroom.

That said, legitimacy depends on making sure you choose the right provider and confirm your school’s transfer rules. Accredited institutions usually list which exams or alternative credits they accept, and transfer policies can vary. Checking ahead ensures the credits you earn actually move you closer to your degree.

Do Fast College Credits Transfer to Any School?

Fast and affordable credits don’t automatically transfer everywhere, so it’s important to know each school’s policy. Most colleges prefer credits from regionally accredited institutions or recognized providers, and some have articulation agreements that make transferring community college or exam credits easier. Still, many colleges cap how many outside credits they’ll accept, which means you may need to finish part of your degree directly with them.

For example, you might earn 30 credits through CLEP exams and ACE courses, then transfer them to a four-year university. That school might only allow half of the degree requirements to come from outside sources, so you’d finish the remaining 60 credits in-house. This balance helps you save money and time while still meeting graduation requirements.

Pros and Cons of Earning College Credits Quickly

Earning credits quickly is a smart way to cut tuition costs and finish school sooner, but it does come with some trade-offs. Knowing the advantages and challenges can help you decide if this approach fits your needs.

Pros:

• Time savings: Accelerated options let you complete semesters’ worth of material in weeks or by passing a single exam.

• Cost savings: Exams, ACE courses, and community college classes are much cheaper than tuition at four-year universities.

• Flexibility: Many fast-credit options, like online courses or self-paced programs, let you learn on your schedule.

• Early career entry: Finishing your degree sooner means you can start working and earning earlier.

• Credit for what you know: PLAs and exams allow you to earn credit for skills you’ve already mastered.

Challenges:

• Heavy workload: Accelerated classes and stacked credits require strong focus and time management.

• Limited acceptance at some schools: Not every college accepts the same exams or alternative credits, and many cap the number you can transfer.

• Less traditional classroom experience: Testing out of courses or finishing them online may mean less direct interaction with professors and classmates.

• Upfront planning required: You’ll need to research transfer policies before investing time or money in alternative credits.

• Potential gaps in learning: Moving quickly may help you earn credits, but you could miss out on deeper discussions or hands-on experiences.

Who Should Consider Accelerated College Credit Options?

Accelerated credit options are ideal for adult learners who want to finish a degree quickly or return to school after a break. If you’ve already earned some credits, these pathways can help you avoid repeating classes, lower costs, and stay on track. They’re also useful for busy adults balancing work and family who need affordable, flexible options.

High school students can benefit too, especially through dual enrollment or AP or IB credits that let them start college ahead. Professionals seeking career advancement may also find these credit options valuable, since earning new credentials can strengthen a resume or help qualify for promotions. Whether you’re starting fresh or moving forward in your career, accelerated credits can give you an efficient head start.

FAQs About Earning College Credits Quickly

If you’re thinking about fast-tracking your degree, these common questions can help you see how alternative credit options work in practice.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get College Credits?

The fastest way to earn credits is usually through exams like CLEP or DSST—you can get three or more credits just by passing a test. Online ACE courses and short community college sessions are also quick since they’re self-paced or condensed into a few weeks.

What’s the Best Online College Course Provider?

The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. If you want an affordable way to finish general education courses quickly, platforms like Study.com, Sophia Learning, and StraighterLine may help you earn transferable credits at a lower cost than traditional tuition. Some students prefer to earn Sophia Learning credits for self-paced, subscription-based courses, while others choose Study.com for structured video lessons or StraighterLine for prerequisite classes. Before enrolling, check whether your college accepts transfer credit from the provider you choose.

Do All Colleges Accept Alternative Credits?

Not every college accepts all types of alternative credits, and many set a limit on how many will count toward your degree. While most regionally accredited schools recognize CLEP, DSST, ACE, and transfer credits, policies can vary widely. 

For example, some colleges have established pathways for students using credits from Sophia Learning. In contrast, others may be more familiar with coursework completed through Study.com, while some schools have exclusive partnerships with StraighterLine. Because transfer and alternative credit policies differ from school to school, always verify acceptance requirements with your target college before enrolling in a course or paying any fees.

How Much Money Can You Save by Testing Out of Classes?

If you test out of classes, you could save thousands of dollars over your degree. A CLEP exam costs about $90, while the same three-credit course at a university might cost several hundred or more. The exact savings depend on your school’s tuition rates, but exams are almost always cheaper.

Can You Finish a bachelor’s degree Entirely Through Alternative Credit?

You can earn a large share of your credits through exams, ACE courses, and transfer options, but most schools require you to complete 25% to 50% of your degree in-house. Alternative credits can shorten your timeline significantly, but they usually can’t replace every requirement.

Are Accelerated Credit Options as Respected as Regular Classes?

Yes, when they come from accredited providers and your college accepts them. Schools award these credits because they reflect the same learning you’d get in a classroom. Employers generally focus on your degree, not the method you used to earn credits, so alternative pathways are just as valid once you graduate.

Earn College Credits

Fast and affordable credit options can make a big difference in your college journey, but it’s important to be sure they’ll transfer. Browse the colleges and universities on Finish Forward to find schools that accept alternative credits and contact these schools directly to confirm policies before you get started.