Joshua Ozment spent five years in the military learning what typical students learn in the classroom. After his discharge, he was eager to avoid having to take course work that would repeat what he had already learned and prolong his time in school.
“After five years in the military, I entered college with one goal in mind: to earn my undergraduate degree as quickly as possible and pursue a graduate program in aviation,” Ozment said.
He was able to graduate in 21 months with honors from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Ozment is one of many who have used the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to accrue college credit, save money, and earn their degree in a shorter time frame.
The college-level exam program offers tests in more than 30 subjects, which are then accepted for credit, or advanced standing at 2,900 colleges across the country. The program helps students to offset the costs of college, which can often necessitate extra loans or a semester off.
A three-credit class could cost several thousand dollars, while a college-level exam is only $55. Military, and other non-traditional students can benefit as well.
“CLEP is a practical resource that helps students save time and money,” said Ariel Foster, director of the CLEP program. “Getting a college degree doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive – especially if you’ve had college-level learning experiences already.”
“I needed about 12 elective credits to graduate with my class,” said Gwen Beyer-Norling, a 2005 graduate of Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wis. “I was able to earn those final credits by taking CLEP examinations and, as an added benefit, I saved a minimum of $4,000 in tuition.”
According to a 1999-2000 survey by the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 40 percent of bachelor’s degree recipients needed five or more years to complete their degree instead of the “traditional” four years.
“By taking CLEP exams, students can offer themselves a chance to hop back on the fast track to graduation,” Foster said.
For more information about CLEP and how it can help you save money on college tuition and move more quickly toward graduation, go online to www.collegeboard.com/clep.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
