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While government data shows a strong correlation between educational attainment and higher incomes, you can secure an even better return-on-investment (ROI) if you pay less for your degree. There are a multitude of ways to do this, from taking basic coursework at a community college and transferring to a four-year school to earning a degree at an affordable online college. You can also "test out" of some courses at a dramatically reduced cost, which lets you save time and money over the course of your degree program.

In addition to AP courses that let high school students earn college credit, programs that let you test out of college coursework include and . While anyone can test out of college classes with either exam program, DSST exams are free for students who are active duty military, U.S. Coast Guard spouses, or Air Force Civil Service employees.

If you're curious how testing out of courses work, which schools offer this option and how to get started, read on for everything you need to know about these programs.

How Testing Out Programs Work

As you look for ways to earn a college degree faster or more affordably, consider the following programs and how you can use them to your advantage.

How AP Credits Work

While taking during high school isn't the same thing as "testing out" of a college course, these courses accomplish the same thing. AP classes let high school students earn high school credit and college credit at the same time, which can help them move through college faster and save money along the way.

CollegeBoard data shows that nearly all colleges and universities in the United States accept credit earned through AP courses. Having these courses on your record can even bolster your college application since they show the school you're dedicated to higher learning and motivated to succeed.

What Are CLEP exams?

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams cost $95 plus related test center or remote proctoring administration fees, and they make it possible to avoid some college courses altogether. Anyone is welcome to take these exams at any time, including high school students, those already in college and professionals seeking to earn an advanced degree. However, students do have to be at least 13-years-old and located in the U.S. (excludes U.S. territories) or be DANTES-funded to complete CLEP exams through remote proctoring.

Currently, CLEP offers a range of exams that let students test out of college classes, and these exams are accepted by over 2,900 colleges and universities nationwide. There are also more than 2,000 CLEP testing centers nationwide, and students can complete the registration process for CLEP courses entirely online.

Dantes (DSST) Exams

DSST exams are free for active duty military members, U.S. Coast Guard spouses, or Air Force Civil Service employees. Similar to CLEP courses, these exams let individuals test out of more than 30 different subjects and earn college credit in related courses along the way.

The cost for each DSST exam is $100 unless military service applies, and additional fees charged by testing centers can apply. However, these exams can be completed in a matter of hours while helping students avoid the cost and time commitment required for a typical college level course. Most DSST exams can also be administered remotely.

Not all schools accept DSST exams toward college credit, but you can find out if they do by checking the online academic catalog for your institution.

Benefits of Testing Out

Testing out of college courses can benefit you in more than one way. Perks of CLEP and DSST exams include the following:

• Save Money

These exams cost $100 or less plus testing center fees for civilians, and DSST exams are free for eligible service members and those with related affiliation. Compare that to the average cost of a single credit hour at traditional colleges and universities, which came in at this year. And remember, most college courses are worth three credit hours.

• Save Time

While the time required to complete traditional college courses varies, many classes take . Compare that to the time required for CLEP or DSST exams, which can typically be completed in a few hours.

• Use Resources Wisely

Testing out of some college courses helps you use your time and resources wisely. You can pick and choose which courses to test out of and complete the rest of your degree online or at a brick-and-mortar school with the goal of graduating in a timely manner.

Cost Savings Example

The total savings students can achieve from testing out of courses varies based on a range of factors, but it's easy to imagine scenarios where savings can equal thousands of dollars. For example, imagine you test out of four college courses through CLEP exams for a total cost of $500 ($95 per course plus $30 per course in testing center fees). 

If you compare that to the average of $406 per credit hour you pay for traditional college courses and factor in the three credit hours required for each course, you can see that completing those four courses the traditional way might cost $4,872. This means the savings from testing out of four courses could equal around $4,372. Obviously, testing out of more courses, attending a school with a higher cost per credit hour, or both could lead to even more savings over time.

Colleges Accepting CLEP Credits

If you want to save time and money as you pursue a college degree, a passing score on a CLEP exam can help you do just that. Fortunately, these exams are accepted at 2,900 colleges and universities nationwide. Although, you should still confirm the credits count with your institution before you pursue them.

Many high-ranking colleges and universities that accept CLEP credits are online institutions, which makes earning a degree even more convenient. Some of the top schools to check out include the following:

• American Public University System: accepts CLEP exams credits in 38 different subjects, from American Government to Precalculus and Information Systems. Credits earned through DSST exams can also count toward college credit, and the same is true for eligible AP courses.
• Arizona State University Global: lets students test out of some courses through CLEP exams, DSST exams, and AP coursework. A minimum score of 50 is required for CLEP exams to count for college credit. Students can earn no more than 60 credits through test programs, including ASU comprehensive and proficiency exams.
• Colorado State University Global: accepts college credits from AP courses, CLEP exams, and DSST exams. A minimum passing score (typically 50 or higher) for CLEP exams is required for college credit.
• Grand Canyon University: accepts credits earned through passing scores on CLEP exams in 38 different subjects of study. Passing scores on DSST exams can also count for college credit, and the same applies with AP courses and AP exams. 
• Michigan State University: accepts credit through CLEP exams in 36 unique subjects from Biology to College Algebra. Credits can also be earned by passing DSST exams in eligible subjects, and AP courses can also count toward college credit.
• Purdue Global: accepts CLEP exam credits to test out of 40 different college courses. These include CLEP exam subjects like Biology, English Literature, Natural Sciences and Trigonometry. A sufficient score (typically 50 or higher) is required to earn college credit. Purdue Global also accepts select DSST exam and AP credits.
• Southern New Hampshire University: lets students earn college credit by testing out of some classes through AP courses in high school, CLEP exams, and DSST exams. CLEP exams in particular at this school are available in 30 different subjects, from the French language to Financial Accounting and Principles of Marketing.
• The University of Maryland Global Campus: allows CLEP exams in place of college courses in 37 different subjects. DSST exams also count for credit in eligible subjects, and AP credit can apply for students who enter UMGC directly from high school based on scores from College Board AP exams.
• The University of Wisconsin - Madison: is another school that accepts college credit through CLEP exams and AP courses completed in high school. However, the school does not award transfer credit for DSST exams.
• Western Governors University: also accepts CLEP courses in 38 different subjects. Credits earned through DSST exams and AP courses are also accepted toward undergraduate degrees.

Alternative Ways to Earn College Credit

While "testing out" of certain college courses is a smart way to earn college credit faster and more affordably, there are other ways to earn college credit outside of the traditional higher education system. Like with CLEP and DSST courses, you'll want to make sure these avenues toward college credit apply with your chosen institution of higher education.

Consider these alternative ways to work toward a college degree in addition to CLEP exams, DSST exams, and AP courses in high school.

The Bottom Line

The traditional path toward a college degree is both expensive and time-consuming, even though research shows higher education is typically worth it in the long run. Fortunately, you can shorten your runway to a college degree and save money by pursuing some credit by exam options for college. You may also get credit for prior life experience, specialized online courses through partner programs, and taking AP courses during high school.

Also remember that the process doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can pursue alternative means toward college credit in just a few subjects if you prefer, and the savings of time and money can still be significant.