What You Can Do to Make College More Affordable

online college programs that are affordable. Don't give up on your college education because of high costs. You do have options.
The cost of college has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Even parents who start saving for college when their children were babies are finding out that when their children go to college, they don't have nearly enough saved. At StraighterLine, we're trying to help people afford college through innovative

Take AP Classes in High School

If you or your child are in high school, earning AP credits is a great way of jumpstarting a college education and of saving money. AP exams allow students to earn college credits that transfer to countless colleges and universities, and the cost is negligible compared to the cost of taking a college class. Passing only three AP exams in high school can accelerate a student's degree program and keep a lid on costs.

Ask About CLEP Credits

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to demonstrate competency and earn college credits by taking exams on campus. This too is far less expensive than taking a college course. Bilingual students can earn foreign language credits, and students who excelled in certain subjects may be able to quickly earn college credits for their course skills.

Learn About Transferring Credits

Did you take a few courses from a college and then move or drop out to work or raise a family? It can't hurt to ask whether those credits will transfer to another school. Likewise, if you earned a degree in the past but would like to earn another one, find out which credits will transfer so you don't find yourself taking freshman level classes all over again.

Take Online Courses

Online college courses are part of just about every student's college experience today. Online classes are convenient and are easier to fit into an unpredictable or crowded schedule. At StraighterLine we offer online classes that are affordable and that transfer to over 1,800 colleges and universities. Online classes are also great for being able to take courses when on-campus classes fill up quickly. This can really help keep your degree program on schedule.