College credit programs vary widely in cost, difficulty, and the type of student they serve best. This guide compares the four major pathways for earning alternative credit so you can choose the right approach for your degree timeline and your Return on Education strategy.
AP exams follow year long high school courses. Students earn college credit depending on their exam scores and university policies.
CLEP allows students to earn college credit by passing a ninety minute exam. It is widely accepted and especially helpful for adult learners and military students. See the full CLEP Exams Complete Guide.
Originally designed for the military, DSST exams help students earn both lower and upper level credits. If you are military affiliated, see our guide for Military Experience to College Credit.
IB programs are two year advanced tracks used worldwide. Credit awards vary by college, especially between Higher Level and Standard Level courses.
| Program | Typical Cost | Who It's For | Credits Earned | Difficulty | RoEDU™ |
| CLEP | Low Cost | Adult learners, military, career shifters, anyone wanting credit for knowledge. | Usually 3–6 credits per exam. | Moderate. Pass-fail format. | Very high. Low cost and wide acceptance |
| DSST | Lost Cost. Free for Miitary | Adult learners, military members, professionals with workplace experience. | Usually 3 credits per exam. | Moderate. Often easier than CLEP in some subjects. | High. Strong for military pathways. |
| AP | Exam fee required. Prep may require course enrollment. | High school students preparing for college. | 3–8 credits depending on score and subject. | Higher difficulty. Requires structured study. | Moderate. Helps reduce freshman-year cost. |
| IB | Program-based cost and exam fees. | High school students in IB diploma programs. | 3–10 credits depending on level and score. | High difficulty. Rigor is similar to honors programs | Moderate. Strong for competitive universities |
RoEDU™ measures the relationship between the cost, time, and outcome of a learning pathway.
CLEP delivers strong RoEDU™ value because inexpensive exams often replace full courses. Explore details in the CLEP Exams Complete Guide.
DSST can provide higher RoEDU™ for military students who receive funded exams. Some DSST subjects offer upper level credit, which removes advanced courses entirely.
AP can offer solid RoEDU™ benefits if a student earns several credits before entering college, though the time investment is significant.
IB offers outstanding academic preparation but variable credit outcomes, so RoEDU™ varies by institution.
Choose CLEP combined with DSST and Prior Learning Assessment. See Military Experience to College Credit.
CLEP delivers the fastest and lowest cost credits. Learn more in the Credits for College hub and the Transfer Credits Guide.
Choose AP or IB based on what your school offers. Many students also use CLEP for summer or gap period credits.
CLEP and DSST offer the quickest, highest RoEDU™ options for most learners.
Choose the program with the strongest RoEDU™ return for your goals.