How to save money on college with alternative credits

This significant increase makes the expense of college worthwhile from a financial perspective, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for ways to earn your degree as affordably as possible.

Enter the world of alternative credits.

Alternative credits are methods of earning college credit for general education and elective courses outside of traditional coursework, including options from platforms like Sophia Learning, StraighterLine, and Study.com. CSU Global prides itself on being transfer-credit-friendly—the average incoming student transfers in 50 credits—and partners with these platforms to help students earn credits to save money on college.

“We get amazing feedback from students about our alternative credit platform partners,” said Jennifer Washicosky, senior student success counselor at CSU Global. “Student success counselors are always available to help create personalized degree plans using alternative credit options.”

Save Thousands With Alternative Credits from 3 Top Platforms

Alternative learning platforms can significantly improve affordability when it comes to earning a degree. Below are three popular options that CSU Global students use to save money and fast-track their education. All three regularly run pricing promotions.

1. Sophia Learning

Sophia Learning offers unlimited access to courses guaranteed to transfer to CSU Global. You’ll find options in computer science, information technology (including Java or Python), anatomy and physiology, chemistry, math, social sciences, and general electives. Membership plan choices include $99 monthly, $299 for four months, and $599 yearly. Sophia often runs discounts throughout the year for first time subscribers.

2. StraighterLine

Through CSU Global’s partnership with StraighterLine, you pay a monthly fee of $99 and then $79 per course for access to various subjects. Courses are completed on the student’s schedule so they can progress as quickly or slowly as needed. StraighterLine has no admission requirements and offers free tutoring and live support. Courses include business ethics, business statistics, precalculus and general calculus, IT fundamentals, and accounting.

Interested students can try StraighterLine for free with access to four courses.

3. Study.com

Study.com is another popular option for students who want to earn alternative credits and transfer them to CSU Global. Also self-paced, there are 82 courses whose credits transfer. Courses are powered with video lessons, flashcards, and interactive quizzes to fit various learning styles. Courses include computer science, public speaking, entrepreneurship, composition, and statistics.

CSU Global Graduates See Return on Investment With Better-Paying Jobs

CSU Global graduate student Cassandra Miles found her career sweet spot in CSU Global’s project management program, where she deepened her knowledge and fundamental skills. While 80% of alumni report getting a better job after graduating, Miles’ success came sooner.

“I didn’t have to wait until after I completed my degree—I got a better job while at CSUG. I was already seeing value halfway through the program,” she said.

By utilizing alternative credits, students can significantly reduce the cost of their education while speeding up their path to graduation. This approach lowers upfront expenses and allows graduates to start earning more sooner.

High-demand degrees at CSU Global include:

• Business Management BS: Graduates double their salary, adding $50,000 annually.
• Accounting BS: Graduates see a 71% salary increase, adding $35,000 annually.
• Computer Science BS: Graduates more than double their salary, adding $43,000 annually.

CSU Global was ranked #2 for Fastest Online Degree Programs in 2023 by Best Accredited Colleges. The enrollment team can be reached at 800-462-7845 or enroll [at] csuglobal.edu.