Press Releases

We’ve Extended Our Offer to Provide CLEP Vouchers

Modern States Freshman Year For Free

OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN FREE COLLEGE CREDIT

A new, high-quality path to free college credit is launching this year. The goal of the pilot program, dubbed “Freshman Year for Free,” is to make college more accessible and affordable for high school students, college students and adult learners, including active duty military personnel, their families, and veterans.

WHO IS MAKING THIS POSSIBLE?

Modern States, the New York-based charitable organization behind the effort, has funded production of online courses taught by college professors. The courses prepare students for introductory College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams in Economics, Sociology, Algebra, and other areas.

HOW DOES THIS LEAD TO CREDIT?

The CLEP exams, administered by the College Board, are accepted for credit by more than 2,900 college and universities. To launch its pilot program, Modern States is partnering with a select group of high schools and colleges that are making students aware of the opportunity.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

This is the first time there have been courses (see list below) taught by top quality college professors for CLEP subjects. Also, Modern States is paying the $80 test fee and $20 scheduling fee for students who enroll in the courses and take the exams. The benefit for participating institutions is that this creates a free on-ramp to college that facilitates learning and earning credits.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Modern States will pay for you to take the CLEP exam.  Email [email protected] for a payment voucher.  There are no prerequisites for the 21 courses that will be offered, and all of them are self-paced. Some of the courses stem from a partnership between Modern States and edX, the online education platform created by Harvard and MIT.