You can complete a legitimate bachelor's degree for under $2,000 — no catch, no diploma mill. Jerry Born walked his son Bruce through a system that uses CLEP exams and ACE-approved online courses to knock out credit requirements in months, not years. The catch? You have to do the research yourself and understand which universities will accept the credits.
Jerry returns to break down the mechanics of CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and ACE (American Council on Education) courses, explaining how platforms like Sophia.org and Modern States allow students to earn college credits through self-paced learning and standardized testing. The discussion covers which universities have the most flexible transfer policies, how to prepare for exams without paying for prep courses, and Bruce's real experience earning credits for a fraction of traditional tuition. If you're staring at six-figure college costs, this episode offers a concrete alternative that doesn't involve skipping higher education altogether.
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Introduction to College Costs
- 00:02:31 Guests and Early Perspectives
- 00:04:40 Cost-Saving Strategies for College
- 00:06:01 Understanding CLEP and ACE Credits
- 00:10:25 University Policies on Credit Transfer
- 00:24:04 Real-Life Experiences
- 00:52:53 Conclusion & Resources
Key Topics
CLEP and ACE Credits Explained
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) allows students to earn college credit by passing standardized tests. ACE (American Council on Education) courses provide credit for approved online courses accepted by many colleges.
Preparing for CLEP Tests
Online resources like Modern States offer free test preparation materials. The key is understanding which exams align with degree requirements at your target university.
How Close Are You to Financial Independence?
Free calculators, a personalized FI roadmap, and a community of 25K+ on the same journey.
University Credit Transfer Policies
Not all universities accept CLEP and ACE credits equally. Research specific institutional policies before investing time and money in alternative credit paths.
Bruce's Real Experience
Jerry shares his son Bruce's experience earning college credits affordably through this system, demonstrating the practical application of these strategies.
Ready to take the next step?
Put what you heard into action with these tools and community.
Resources
- Sophia.org — Platform for earning ACE-approved course credits
- Modern States — Free CLEP exam preparation
- Episode 238: Transforming Education Costs with Jerry Born — Jerry's first appearance on the show
Notable Quotes
"Is college just a glorified sleepaway camp? Convince me I'm wrong." — Brad Barrett
"Get a legitimate degree for pennies on the dollar!" — Jerry Born
"Absolutely go for it if the opportunity arises." — Jerry Born
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- Research which colleges accept CLEP credits for your intended major
- Explore Sophia.org and Modern States for low-cost education options
- Verify university credit transfer policies before enrolling