What are UMPI courses like?

[dfrecore]

I think if you're low-income, you'll be able to get a Pell Grant, and actually take courses at a school for free, and that's what you should do. Figure out where you can go inexpensively and enroll and take courses there. Your local CC if it's cheap, or an inexpensive online option if not.

I'd consider taking additional CLEP exams through ModernStates.org (once you pass the free online course, you get a voucher to take the CLEP exam for free, and then you submit the testing center fee receipt for reimbursement and they mail you a check - so CLEP's are completely free).

I would also consider taking Sophia courses if you can afford $79/mo for a few months, and take as many courses as you can.

I'd look at COSC as an option - they have a few history courses, including UL non-western history, and their overall degree is inexpensive. I'd also look at COSC, as they have more history courses, and their courses aren't much more expensive than COSC's if you're going to take at least 12cr there (and you should).

Between CLEP, Sophia, and Pell Grants, I think you can get your degree VERY inexpensively.
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There's an inexpensive RA school that has a history degree, and possibly accepts ACE credit. Sterling College Online is only $145/cr, so $435/course, and that would be huge bang for your buck for a Pell Grant - it would go a lot further than any of the Big 3. This would be a great option to take UL HIstory courses, including non-western which is required at many schools. This school might be a great option if your local CC is more expensive than $145/cr.

SNHU and UMGC also accept ACE and have History degrees.
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One other thing to consider, as a young person without a career yet: think about getting a job at a company that pays for a degree. For instance, Papa John's will pay 100% if you go to Purdue Global. Now, they don't have a history degree - but they do have plenty of other courses you will need no matter where you end up. Walmart will pay 100% or else reimburse up to $5250/yr at a host of colleges. Starbucks, Taco Bell, Target, Verizon, Chipotle, BofA, etc. all have tuition assistance plans. If you need to work anyway, you may as well choose a place that will pay for college for you. Just a thought.