Key Takeaways:
- CLEP is cheap and flexible but earns one class per exam.
- Online transfer courses can be cheaper per credit when completed within a shorter timeframe.
- ACE-recommended providers offer smoother, predictable credit transfers.
- Best results come from combining CLEP with online courses.
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Aiming to get your degree sooner? Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of when to use CLEP exams, when to choose online transfer courses, and how to combine both for maximum savings and speed.
What CLEP Actually Is (and Isn’t)
CLEP exams are assessments you gain credit for foundational courses you already know. Most of them cost around $100 (plus possible testing fees). You study at your pace, schedule the exam on your terms, and earn credit by passing.
💡Tip: Each CLEP exam equals one course, so failing costs time and money. Stick only to subjects you already understand well.
What Online Transfer Courses Are
Online transfer courses are real, online college classes from alternative credit providers (e.g., Study.com, Sophia Learning, StraighterLine). Many programs accept these credits toward your degree, especially adult-friendly schools.
Courses are often ACE-recommended, which helps with predictable transfer. Several providers offer unlimited courses for a flat monthly fee, so fast progress lowers your cost per course.
What Are the Differences Between CLEP and Online Transfer Courses?
Let’s compare how CLEP and online transfer courses differ, so you can choose the right tool to fill college credit gaps.
Cost and Speed: Where the Real Savings Stack Up
- CLEP: You spend low entry cost, but one exam is equivalent to one class.
- Online courses: You may end up spending less per credit because you can finish multiple courses in a month.
- Example plans on Study.com:
- College Starter: $95/month with a set of lower-division courses
- College Saver: $235/month for full catalog access, including upper division
- If you keep momentum, your effective price per course drops dramatically since access is month-to-month.
- Example plans on Study.com:
Credit Acceptance: Which Option Transfers More Smoothly
CLEP is accepted by many schools, but not all and some restrict which exams or how many credits count. Some majors (e.g., nursing, teaching, certain STEM tracks) may not accept CLEP at all.
On the other hand, ACE-recommended online courses from known providers typically have stronger transfer pathways. They’re also supported by transcripts, course descriptions, and partner agreements.
❗Reminder: Always check your school’s CLEP and transfer-credit policy before you sign up for an exam or enroll in an online course.
Flexibility: How They Fit Real Life
Both options offer flexibility, but they support your schedule in very different ways.
- CLEP:
- No weekly assignments or discussion boards
- Total control over when you study and when you test
- Perfect for irregular schedules
- Online courses:
- Structured modules, short videos, and quizzes
- Progress tracking to help you stay consistent
- Month-to-month access, where steady pacing decreases costs and faster completion makes each course cheaper
CLEP vs. Online Transfer Courses: Should You Choose One Over the Other?
No, you don’t have to choose only CLEP or online courses to earn transferable credits. Think “CLEP + Online Courses,” not either/or. Here’s how you can incorporate both:
- Take CLEP exams for subjects you already know well (e.g., College Algebra, Intro to Psychology, U.S. History).
- Use online courses for everything else, especially classes that need structured learning, require written work, or benefit from a transcript.
- Result: more credits for less money, predictable transfer, and a faster path to graduation.
Quick Starter Plan for Combining CLEP and Online Transfer Courses
Below is a handy step-by-step actionable guide you can take to use CLEP and online transfer courses together:
- Map your degree plan and highlight gen-eds you can test for via CLEP.
- Confirm your school’s CLEP and ACE transfer policies. Note any caps or exclusions.
- Subscribe to an online course provider like Study.com for a month. Aim to finish multiple courses at a lower cost per credit.
- Mix and match. Take a CLEP exam for a course you’re confident in, while also progressing through structured online courses.
- Organize and submit your receipts, score reports, and transcripts to the registrar.
- Promptly resolve any equivalency issues.
- Update your degree map, set a one-month goal for the next CLEP/online courses, and repeat until you complete your degree.
CLEP + Online Courses = The Fastest, Cheapest Path
CLEP is excellent for quick, low-cost wins, especially when you already know the material. But if your goal is the lowest cost per credit with fewer transfer surprises, ACE-recommended online courses usually deliver a bigger payoff.
Combine both: CLEP for easy wins and online courses for structured progress. Next up, check your school’s transfer policy and browse our guide to building a one-month course blitz that slashes your per-credit cost.
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