University of Indianapolis
College Credit by Exam for Day Division Students

  • National testing programs are for YOU as well as for adult learners.
  • You may save thousands of dollars by using the national testing programs to earn college credit.
  • There are nearly 100 different CLEP, DSST and Excelsior College Exams from which to choose.

If you didn't know about these three bulleted items, then you need to acquaint yourself with the national testing programs offered at UIndy. In an era of rising college costs, these exams can be the solution to timely completion of your degree at a significantly lower cost. Many of these exams cover material you may already know from your high school studies.

Here's an example (see NOTE below):

It takes a minimum of 124.0 credit hours to earn a baccalaureaute degree (a bachelor's degree) at UIndy. Most freshmen enter the University with the intention of graduating in four years. Consider these two options:

2005-06
Academic Year

Traditional
4-year plan

3 1/2 year plan with testing

Hours

15.5 hours for 8 semesters = 124.0

15.0 hours for 7
semesters = 105.0

Tuition

$8,990 x 8 semesters

$8,990 x 7
semesters

Room & Board

$3,505 x 8 semesters

$3,505 x 7
semesters

TOTAL

$99,960

$87,465

Total Hours

124.0

One CLEP each of 7
semesters = 21.0 hours.
105.0 + 21.0 = 126.0

CLEP costs

n/a

CLEP = 7 x $67 = $469

4-YEAR TOTAL

$99,960

$87,934

SAVINGS BY TESTING: $12,026

 

You do the math: if you take and pass one CLEP (or DSST) exam each of 7 semesters, and take and pass at least 15.0 credit hours each of 7 semesters, you will have enough credit hours to graduate in 3 1/2 years instead of four, thereby saving you the 8th semester of tuition, room & board, for a savings of over $12,026. Based upon a full-time Day Division enrollment of 2,000 students at UIndy, the example above could potentially save these students over $24,000,000 on the cost of college. That's 24 MILLION dollars!

Have we got your attention yet? We haven't told you the best part yet: there is no limit to the number of credit hours you may earn through these exams at UIndy. We've had two students earn over 60 hours of credit by exam—over HALF of their degree. That would cut the 4-year total shown above to under $55,000, nearly half price. Mind you, this has only happened twice at UIndy that we know of, but it is possible.

So visit the SAL Web page that gives a list of all such exams and what they count for at UIndy: http://sal.uindy.edu/testlist.php. Remember these exams are not just for adult learners. They are for all enrolled students at UIndy. Always consult with your Key Advisor to make sure the test you want to take will count for your degree requirements.

CLEP vs. DSST vs. Excelsior College. What's the difference? These are just competing companies, just like the SAT and ACT exams in high school. Each wants you to take their exams. It doesn't matter at UIndy; the Registrar's Office accepts results from all three companies.

  • CLEP exams are given by computer every Monday-Thursday between 11 AM and 5 PM (Fri 10-2:30) in the SAL office, Esch Hall 103.
  • DSST exams are given by computer every Monday-Thursday between 11 AM and 5 PM (Fri 10-2:30) in the SAL office, Esch Hall 103.
  • UIndy does not administer Excelsior Colleges exams--these are administered independently via the Excelsior College Web site through Prometric testing centers.

To register for a CLEP or DSST exam, visit the SAL office, Esch Hall 103M (11 AM to 7 PM weekdays, 10-4:30 on Fridays), and ask for Bob Burchfield, Testing Administrator. For more information, send an e-mail to: sal@uindy.edu.

NOTE: Examples above are based upon 2005-06 full-time tuition of $17,980 per year, room & board of $7,010 per year, and current testing fees as of January 1, 2006 for CLEP exams ($60 per exam at UIndy plus $12 registration fee). This example assumes that you PASS each exam you attempt. Savings would be slightly less with DSST exams, which are $70 compared to $60 for CLEP exams. Financial aid is not considered in this discussion or in the examples given on this page. Your actual savings will vary as these figures change from year to year.

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