One of the most popular sources is exams. Many colleges grant credit for exams like the SAT IIs, Advanced Placements, and College Level Examination Program. Others have proficiency exams that allow you to earn credit for prior knowledge. Some colleges also offer credit for prior learning through programs where you demonstrate the educational value of past work, life, travel, or other experiences. Students there looking for credit are required to submit a portfolio about their experiences.
Many students make college cheaper by paying very little for certain parts of their degree.
Students may study for one or two years at a less expensive institution and then transfer to a more expensive one. It is possible that you may lose some credits during the transfer process, so check the policies of your new school before you decide to transfer. Many inexpensive two-year colleges have transfer credit agreements with the state university system or with local private colleges that outline a specific curriculum that you should take so all your credits will transfer. These same inexpensive colleges can also be a great source for cheap summer courses which can then be applied to your degree. The best choices for transfer credit are standard courses like sciences, calculus, foreign languages, and literature.