With tuition costs ever on the rise and the itch to get out of class and into life, it seems it’s the question on everyone’s mind lately: “Can you graduate college early?” Rest assured! It is possible to graduate early, and traditional four-year timelines are a thing of the past. Let’s get into how to graduate college early, on your own terms, and with your own finances, using CLEP and DSST exams.
What are CLEP and DSST Exams?
CLEP and DSST exams are similar. They both grant college credit for sufficiently passing a test. Both DSST and CLEP exam credits allow you to bypass classes with a passing grade on the exam, meaning that you can gain credits faster and cheaper than traditional college classes. A DSST exam usually costs $100, with an administration fee that varies by test center. CLEP exams usually cost around $97 per exam, with an administration fee that varies by test center. Compare that to the average cost per credit of $406 at a university ($1,218 total for your typical 3-credit-hour class). That’s about $ 1,118 – $1,121 in savings for a 3-credit class. Meaning, if you take these exams, you’ll be the thriftiest individual in town. Here’s a breakdown of the subjects offered by CLEP and DSST, along with what each test category focuses on.
CLEP |
DSST |
| Focuses on general education (Psychology, History, English) | Focuses on upper-level and niche subjects (Cybersecurity, Ethics, Business) |
| American Government
Analyzing + Interpreting Literature Introduction to Educational Psychology History of the United States I |
A History of the Vietnam War
Fundamentals of College Algebra Computing and Information Technology Lifespan Developmental Psychology Introduction to Law Enforcement Introduction to World Religions Management Information Systems |
How Much Time Can You Actually Save with CLEP and DSST Exams?
Most CLEP test credits equate to 3–6 credit hours—the same as a full 15-week course. If you take and pass 5 or 6 DSST or CLEP test credits, you’d be saving a full semester’s worth of class time and tuition.
Quick Fact: How many CLEP test credits can I take? Usually up to 30. The number of credits you can take via credit-by-exam tests varies by school. Be sure to check with your institution before taking a test to see if it will count towards your course load when passed.
Step-by-Step: How to Graduate One Semester Early with CLEP and DSST Exams
The Strategy: To graduate one semester early (typically 15 credits), a student needs to pass approximately 5 exams, which you can do over the course of 5 or so months, or spread them out throughout the course of your university or high school classes.
Rigorous Example Plan For the Go-Getters:
- Month 1: Pass CLEP College Composition (3–6 credits).
- Month 2: Pass CLEP Introductory Psychology (3 credits).
- Month 3: Pass DSST exam in Principles of Supervision (3 credits).
- Month 4: Pass CLEP American Government (3 credits).
- Month 5: Pass DSST exam in Personal Finance (3 credits).
The above 5-month plan is ambitious and strenuous. To enact this plan, you should have previous experience in these subjects and have plenty of time to study.
SEO FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know
- Do all colleges accept CLEP exam credits? Over 2,900 do, but check with your registrar just to be sure.
- Is a DSST exam harder than a CLEP? CLEP and DSST cover different levels; DSST often covers “upper-division” material.
- How do I start earning CLEP credits? Peterson’s practice tests and official test registration.
Your Roadmap to the Finish Line
Financially, DSST and CLEP tests are a great decision. Career-wise, taking these exams can show your ability to take initiative, learn independently, and get you in the door to your career a semester or two sooner. The savings compound when you pass these tests on the first try, so it is a smart idea to prep. Start your CLEP and DSST prep today with Peterson’s and register for your first exam with CLEP and DSST.
