CLEP Exams Offer Way To Save On Pricey College Tuition

Many parents help their children attend college by paying for part or all of the tuition and other college-related expenses. For the 2008-2009 college year, the average cost of tuition was $1047 per credit at a private university and $274 per credit at a public college. In addition, required textbooks, room and board, and living expenses, add additional, and often substantial, costs. Considering the high cost of college tuition and the current economic downturn, many parents are looking for ways to save money and decrease their child's tuition bill. CLEP exams offer one way to substantially reduce the cost of college tuition.

CLEP, College Level Examination Program, allows students to demonstrate college-level knowledge on a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. College Board, the company that administers CLEP, offers thirty-four different CLEP exams for students to take in subjects such as math, English, science, and business. Over 2,900 colleges and universities award credits to students who achieve satisfactory CLEP scores. Considering that each CLEP test costs less than $100 to take, the savings are substantial when compared to the cost of college tuition. Even if a student takes only one CLEP test, he or she could save his or her parents hundreds or thousands of dollars in tuition expenses.

Parents of high school and college students can play a crucial role in helping their children take full advantage of CLEP. Knowing that each CLEP their child passes equates to substantial tuition savings, parents may choose to offer incentives or rewards to their children who complete CLEP exams. For example a parent may offer cash or agree to put a certain amount of money aside toward a vehicle for each CLEP test their child attempts and passes. Even without a monetary incentive, students may be motivated to take CLEP tests solely on the prospect of being able to meet college degree requirements without having to attend the semester-long college course. Students who earn credits through CLEP are often able to lighten their semester course load; move on to more exciting upper-level, degree-specific courses; and may even graduate sooner.

In spite of the many benefits to be gained from CLEP, parents may be unsure how to learn more about CLEP exams or how to help their child prepare for these tests. Parents may be surprised to learn that their child can take CLEP exams while still in high school and begin working toward an undergraduate degree before ever enrolling in college. Many students take advanced courses in high school and can attempt a CLEP test using the knowledge acquired in the advanced class. Other students, such as home-schooled students, are self-taught, self-motivated learners who can quickly prepare for a CLEP. College students can prepare for CLEP tests during their fall or summer breaks or even while completing their regular semester coursework. A variety of resources exist to help students to prepare for CLEP tests, such as college textbooks, study guides, practice tests, and online study systems. Motivated students may be able to prepare for their CLEP in as little as a few days or a few weeks. As with many tasks, encouragement and assistance from parents is likely to play an important role in helping the student remain motivated and keep the end goals in mind while studying for the CLEP.

Prior to taking a CLEP test, students are encouraged to speak with their college academic advisor for information on their college's CLEP policies. Parents of students who are currently in high school can inquire about their son or daughter's perspective college's CLEP policies. CLEP can reduce the cost of obtaining an undergraduate degree and as well as the amount of time spent in college. The College Board's website, www.collegeboard.com is a valuable resource for parents and students alike to learn more about the amazing CLEP program.

CLEP exams offer an excellent educational opportunity to assist students who want to pass CLEP Exams. SpeedyPrep is proud to offer for CLEP Exams preparation quick, affordable, and effective online study solutions to help students to prepare for their CLEP tests.