One book that has been very helpful to us as we contemplate college is College without Compromise, written by a homeschooling mom and dad.  It states on the cover "An encouraging guide to starting early, finishing economically, and protecting your homeschool vision."  I highly recommend this book. 

Chapter 3 - Faith, Purity, Character & Servanthood says this:

"If school can be polluting from kindergarten through twelfth grade, doesn't it also have the potential to be harmful in college?

Therefore, as parents, we must seriously consider the possible harm to those still under our care if we should send them out of town to a college to sit under potentially godless mentors and commune in the constant companionship of fools."

The book covers the different tests you can take for credit such as the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and how to prepare for exams.  If your child is considering college, get this book.  It will challenge you to look at things in a less traditional view and will inspire you in your family vision.

The second book that has been helpful is the CLEP Official Study Guide.  This book lists the tests that are offered for credit by examination as well as the topics for each examination.  It has sample tests, how to use CLEP credit and questions you should ask colleges concerning their acceptance of  CLEP credits.

Now why would you want to CLEP out on a test and try to finish college in less time? Besides the obvious reasons such as time and money, the sooner you can get to the classes that pertain to your major. 

My son visited with several engineers, asking questions about what they liked and disliked about their jobs and leaning about their field of work.  One engineer said he learned more in the first day he worked than in the 4 years spent in school.

CLEP scores can be banked for 20 years until you decide exactly what college you want the scores transferred to.  They are a pass/fail test using multiple choice.  

A final thought - the less time they have to spend in an institution where God's Word is not the absolute, the better.