Free college classes that will transfer

Does anyone know where I can find free college classes that are likely to transfer to a major university? I'm looking to get a head start on some general education or elective credits without spending money.

Exploring cost-effective ways to get college credits is a savvy move! While it might be challenging to find completely free college-level classes that will transfer, there are definitely affordable options.

Modern States is a non-profit organization that provides free online courses in partnership with edX. Upon completion of each course, you can take a CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) for free. If you pass the CLEP exam, you can receive college credits that over 2,900 colleges and universities across the U.S accept, including many major universities. This can be a cost-effective way to earn some general education credits.

While not free, many community colleges offer significantly reduced tuition costs compared to four-year institutions. You can often earn credits there and then transfer them to a four-year college or university. However, it's important to work closely with academic advisors at both institutions to ensure the credits will indeed transfer and apply toward your degree requirements.

AP (Advanced Placement) courses, if your high school offers them, can also be a cost-effective way to potentially earn college credits while still in high school. You'd just need to ensure you do well in the class and score high on the exam.

Also, several online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX offer what are called “MOOCs” (Massive Open Online Courses), which are courses from universities around the world. While most are free to take, there are fees if you want a verified certificate or to earn credit.

Just remember, the transferability of credits fundamentally depends on each individual institution's policies. Always check with the admission's or registrar's office of the institution you're transferring credits into to confirm beforehand.