Alternative Credit Options


CSU Global accepts a variety of alternative credits that enable students to earn their degree quickly and at a reduced cost. Alternative credit options allow you to demonstrate competency, knowledge, prior experience, and independent learning in a particular subject area for course credit. If you are an Undergraduate student, alternative transfer credits can be used in addition to other forms of transfer credit to fulfill degree requirements.



It is important to verify that the courses you want to transfer in are not duplicative of something you have already taken and that we are able to accept it so we recommend working with your Success Counselor to go over transfer credit limits and your alternative credit options. They can help you find the alternative credit partner that fits your needs best and keeps you progressing toward degree completion. 

Below you can also find the websites of many of the sources we accept credit from.  Keep in mind transfer credit limits when looking into alternative credit options.

CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 exam options at the cost of $89 per exam. Learn more at https://clep.collegeboard.org/college-credit-policy/colorado-state-univ-global-campus. Download the CLEP Test Take Booklet.pdf for detailed information on CLEP exams

DSST

DSST offers 37 exams (including programs for military training) starting at $100 each. Learn more at http://getcollegecredit.com/.

Saylor Academy

Saylor Academy is a non-profit organization which offers free online courses to prepare for exams to use as transfer credit.  All courses can be taken at no cost and students pay $25 to take a proctored exam when ready.  More information at https://www.saylor.org/partners/colleges/colorado-state-university-global-campus/

Sophia

Sophia is another option for taking online, self-paced, courses and completing an exam for ACE approved transfer credit. Some of the benefits from Sophia: No textbooks, free trial and 30 day money back guarantee, payment plans, can start instantly, build your own schedule, and Learning Coach Support.  Sophia has a monthly membership fee of $99/month and more information can be found at https://csuglobal.sophia.org/.

StraighterLine

StraighterLine focuses on general education course equivalencies that are a required part of any bachelor's degree. There is a monthly membership cost of $99 and the typical exam fee is $59 per course. Some benefits of StraighterLine are free one-on-one online tutoring which includes writing center, scheduled, or drop-in, free transcript processing and easy credit transfer, and live support – get the technical, membership, or course support you need from our dedicated Student Advisors.  Learn more at https://www.straighterline.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-global-campus/course-equivalency/.

Study.com

Study.com is a membership based alternative credit option. The monthly subscription is $199 per month and students have the ability to take up to 2 proctored exams per month. Some benefits of Study.com are select from a growing library of 180 online courses, fast-track your graduation by completing up to 2 online courses each month, take your final exams at home, unlimited access to video lessons (transcripts included) to help you gain knowledge quickly, get 1-on-1 personalized guidance with a success coach to make sure you stay on track, and learn on the go with our mobile app.  More information at https://study.com/college/school/csu-global.html.  

OnlineDegree.com

CSU Global has partnered with OnlineDegree.com to offer an additional pathway for undergraduate students to complete their degree at a lower cost. We are able to accept up to 41 credits from OnlineDegree.com courses to fulfill elective credit requirements.  Click here to see the accepted classes from OnlineDegree.com.   

Non-Collegiate Credit

Non-collegiate credit other than exam or military service credit, such as non-collegiate courses, corporate trainings, certifications, and professional licenses, may be considered for transfer if it has been evaluated according to American Council on Education (ACE) Guidelines or reviewed by National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Visit https://www.acenet.edu/national-guide/Pages/default.aspx to learn more about ACE approved credit or http://www.nationalccrs.org/ for NCCRS credit opportunities.