Sources of Credit

Overview
The following are frequently cited as sources of credit for the Big 3 schools.

Note #1: Each school has its own academic transfer policies and you should confirm any choice of alternate credit with an advisor at your school.

'''Note #2: Re-read Note #1. :)'''

Tests

 * CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
 * DSST (DANTES Standardized Subject Test)
 * ECE (Excelsior College Examination; accepted by all of the Big 3)
 * TECEP (Thomas Edison Examination Program; accepted by all of the Big 3)
 * UExcel (ACE-approved exams for college credit by Pearson & Excelsior College)

Courses

 * ALEKS (an adaptive AI engine for learning college algebra through pre-calculus)
 * Straighterline (an alternative method of taking courses for transfer to the Big 3) - also see KCTCS below which is cited as a comparable alternative to Straighterline
 * Distance Learning:  FEMA (take free online courses from FEMA to get ACE-approved credits)
 * Distance Learning:  TEEX (take free online courses in cyber security to get ACE-approved credits; 10 courses have such approval as of 1/18/13.  See this discussion for more.)
 * Distance Learning:  Saylor Foundation (NCCRS-approved courses that only cost $25 for proctored final exam; 3 courses have such approval as of 1/18/13.  See this discussion for more.)
 * Distance Learning:  Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies (NCCRS-approved courses with a few counted as UL in history, religion, ethics and political science; cost is $50/credit plus $50 proctored final exam fee.  See this discussion for more.)
 * Distance Learning:  CollegePlus (3 LL courses available that are ACE-approved and have proctored final exams.  See this discussion for more.)
 * Distance Learning: Penn Foster (a nationally accredited non-degree-granting school with some transferrable credits to the Big 3, as long as they are ACE-approved)
 * Distance Learning: Community Colleges (take a class at your local or online CC, transfer it in to the Big 3, as long as the CC is regionally accredited and the course is applicable to your degree plan)
 * Distance Learning: 4-Year Colleges (any regionally accredited college course will transfer, as long as it is applicable to your degree plan)
 * Other courses that are reviewed and approved by ACE or NCCRS.

Examples of Colleges Offering Distance Learning Courses
The following are commonly used for coursework credit that is then transferred in to the Big 3.
 * Brigham Young University Independent Study - $157/credit hr.; no state residency requirement. Upper and lower level courses available.
 * CalCampus - $230/credit hr Upper Level credit
 * Clovis Community College - $39/credit hr if you live in the region. $89 non-resident. Lower Level only. FAFSA eligible.
 * Edukan - $130/credit hr flat fee. Lower Level credit only
 * Independent Study of Idaho - $100/credit hr flat fee. Upper Level credits available.
 * Louisiana State University Independent Study - Unknown cost.
 * Kentucky Community & Technical College System - DegreeForum.net member ternzer recently "guinea pigged" this school and developed a full guide (linked) on how to get the most out of KCTCS courses in the shortest time possible.

The following are less-frequently cited as sources.
 * Mississippi State University Independent Study - $449/course (3 credits); no state residency requirement. Upper & lower level courses available.
 * Quincy College - Mostly $170/credit, but check varying rates for different programs. No state residency requirement. Lower level courses only.
 * Rio Salado College - $215/credit for both AZ residents & non-residents online. 48 times per year to register for courses. Lower level courses only.
 * Test Drive College - Free? Lower Level credit only. FAFSA eligible.
 * University of Alaska - Fairbanks Center for Distance Education - $154/credit at 100/200 level; $187/credit at 300/400 level; $372/credit at 500/600 level; extra fees apply. No residency requirement and courses may be taken for a semester or through a whole year.
 * University of Arkansas Independent Study - $99/credit for AR residents; $105.25/credit for non-residents. Upper and lower level courses available.
 * University of Georgia Independent & Distance Learning - $729/course (3 credits); no state residency requirement. Upper & lower level courses available.
 * University of Mississippi Independent Study - $724/course (3 credits); no residency requirement. Upper & lower level courses available.
 * University of North Dakota Distance & Continuing Education- $242/credit; no state residency requirement. Upper & lower level courses available.
 * University of Oklahoma Independent Study - $241/credit; no state residency requirement. Upper & lower level courses available.

Courses That Are NOT Accepted
Any course that is not from a regionally accredited school, or is either ACE or NCCRS reviewed, is generally not accepted for credit transfer. This includes any course that provides "Continuing Education Units" (CEUs) for completion. There are occasional exceptions, however, so it can't hurt to ask a school adviser if you have a specific course that you feel may be accepted. For example, credit may be granted for some certifications.