Common Sense

College costs can be reduced by 95% by removing regulatory barriers that prevent students from obtaining accredited degrees through independent study and testing out of college courses. Several non-profit organizations already offer free or almost free college credit by exam, allowing students to study independently and test out of a significant number of courses at many universities. Unfortunately, most universities limit these non-traditional credits to 25% or less, leaving students to pay full price for the remaining credits.

Currently, state regulators and accreditation agencies hinder low-cost education through outdated physical location, library, and staff-to-student ratio requirements that drive up the cost of college. However, for a 100% self-study and test-out program, there is no need for a physical campus, a library, or assigned professors.

In today’s world, students can go online to watch the best lectures, read free textbooks, participate in group chats, receive one-on-one tutoring, and take tests via online proctors. Earning a degree through independent study and testing out of college courses could cost less than 5% of the typical degree cost. In addition to these significant savings, individuals who test out of college courses can graduate a year or two early, making them more competitive in the job market and enabling them to start earning income earlier. The total economic benefit to the student over their lifetime could easily be more than $300,000. The self-motivation, dedication, and intelligence demonstrated by taking the initiative to graduate early and save money will set the student apart from other graduates in a competitive job market.

A virtual college could operate as follows: for a specific degree, a list of forty required courses would be developed, similar to those required by other colleges for the same degree. Students would contact the virtual college regarding the degree they wish to pursue, and the virtual college would provide the student with the list of required courses along with a list of accepted test-out programs. Students can self-study and test out through existing programs such as CLEP (College Board), Saylor.org, etc. The virtual college could also create its own self-study and test-out program if it is not satisfied with what is currently being offered. Once students have tested out of the required courses, the virtual college would obtain transcripts from the exam providers to verify that the student has passed the required courses. The virtual college could bestow a degree based solely on passing the courses or it could require a final capstone test provided by the college to ensure that the student meets their standards. During the degree-earning process, the virtual college could provide guidance to the students, including free online lecture videos, links to free textbooks, group chats, access to one-on-one tutoring, and sample tests.

We need at least one accrediting body to recognize self-study and test-out degrees, making an accredited college degree affordable for everyone.

For more information on testing out of college courses, visit Educate4Free.com, ModernStates.org, Saylor.org, and Clep.CollegeBoard.org.