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FREE CREDIT MAP
How many college credits can you earn for free—or almost free?
Student: __________________________
College/University: __________________________
Intended Major: __________________________
Degree: __________________________
Total Credits Required for Degree: __________
STEP 1 — Know Your College’s Rules
Before hunting for cheaper credits, find the answers to these questions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this college accept AP credit? | |
| Does it accept CLEP? | |
| Does it accept DSST? | |
| Does it accept dual-credit courses? | |
| Does it accept ACE-recommended credit? | |
| Does it accept Study.com? | |
| Does it accept Sophia Learning? | |
| Does it accept FEMA/transcripted FEMA credit? | |
| Maximum transfer/alternative credits allowed? | |
| Minimum credits I must take at this college? |
Important: Don’t stop at “Yes, we accept it.” Find out exactly which degree requirement the credit will satisfy.
STEP 2 — Map Your Degree
Start with your college’s official degree plan. Look especially closely at general education requirements and electives.
| Degree Requirement | Credits | Full-Price College Cost | Cheaper Option | Cost | Approved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition I | 3 | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| English Composition II | 3 | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| College Algebra/Math | 3 | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| U.S. History | 3 | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Government | 3 | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Natural Science | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Social Science | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Humanities | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Foreign Language | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| Elective | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| __________ | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
| __________ | ___ | $_____ | __________ | $_____ | ☐ |
Possible cheaper option:
Dual Credit • AP • CLEP • Modern States/CLEP • DSST • Community College • Study.com • Sophia • StraighterLine • FEMA • IB/AICE • Prior Learning • Employer/Military Training
STEP 3 — What Have You Already Earned?
Don’t pay twice for credits you’ve already earned.
| Credit Source | Course/Exam | Score/Grade | Potential Credits | College Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | ☐ | |||
| Dual Credit | ☐ | |||
| IB/AICE | ☐ | |||
| CLEP | ☐ | |||
| Other | ☐ | |||
| Other | ☐ |
College credits I may already have: ______
That number can be surprisingly exciting.
STEP 4 — Find Your Almost-Free Credits
Now investigate the credits you still need.
FREE OR VERY LOW COST
☐ Dual-credit opportunities through my high school
☐ AP exams
☐ Modern States + CLEP
☐ Employer-paid education/training
☐ Military education benefits/training
☐ Prior learning opportunities
LOW-COST OPTIONS
☐ CLEP
☐ DSST
☐ Community college
☐ Study.com
☐ Sophia Learning
☐ StraighterLine
☐ FEMA/Frederick Community College credit conversion
☐ Summer or winter courses at a lower-cost institution
☐ Other: ______________________
STEP 5 — SHOW ME THE MONEY
Now for the fun part.
My college charges approximately:
$________ per credit
Traditional cost of 3-credit course:
$________
Alternative-credit cost:
$________
Savings on ONE course:
$________
Now calculate your whole plan.
Credits required for my degree: ______
Credits I already have: ______
Additional inexpensive credits I could potentially earn: ______
Total credits I may avoid purchasing at full price: ______
ESTIMATED SAVINGS
Full-price cost of those credits:
$________________
Estimated cost using my alternative-credit plan:
− $________________
POTENTIAL COLLEGE SAVINGS:
$________________ 🎉
WAIT! BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT COURSE…
For every alternative credit, confirm:
☐ My college accepts this specific credit.
☐ I know the minimum score/grade required.
☐ I know exactly which course it replaces.
☐ It applies to my actual degree—not merely as an extra elective.
☐ I haven’t exceeded my college’s transfer-credit limit.
☐ It won’t create a problem with my intended major.
☐ I’ve checked requirements for graduate school, professional school or licensing if those might be in my future.
The most important question to ask:
“If I complete __________ through __________, exactly which requirement on my degree plan will it satisfy?”
Get the answer in writing whenever possible.
YOUR FREE CREDIT PLAN
BEFORE COLLEGE
I could potentially earn ______ credits.
DURING COLLEGE
I could potentially earn another ______ credits inexpensively.
TOTAL
______ CREDITS
POTENTIAL SAVINGS
$________________
Remember:
The goal isn’t to collect the most credits.
It’s to earn the right credits for the least amount of money.
Every credit needs a job.
And every dollar you don’t have to spend on college is another dollar you don’t have to save, earn, borrow—or find through scholarships.