When applying for college, employment, or professional licensure in the U.S., international students and professionals often encounter two types of credential evaluation reports: course-by-course and document-by-document. These reports serve different purposes and come with different levels of detail and cost. Understanding what each evaluation includes and how to choose the right (and most affordable) option can save you time, money, and stress.
What Is a Document-by-Document Evaluation?
A document-by-document evaluation, sometimes referred to as a general report, summarizes your educational history. It typically includes:
- The name of each credential earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science)
- Name of the institution and country
- Dates of attendance
- U.S. educational equivalency (e.g., equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree)
- Accreditation status of the institution
What’s not included:
- Course-by-course breakdowns
- U.S. grade conversions or GPA
- Credit or subject-level evaluations
Best used for:
- Employment verification
- Immigration purposes
- General credential recognition
- Freshman undergraduate admissions
Typical Cost Range:
💲 $80–$150, depending on the agency and processing time
What Is a Course-by-Course Evaluation?
A course-by-course evaluation is a detailed academic report. In addition to all the elements of a general evaluation, it also includes:
- List of completed courses
- U.S. semester credit equivalents
- U.S. letter grade equivalents
- Cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Course-level classification (e.g., upper-division, graduate)
Best used for:
- Graduate or transfer admissions
- Professional licensing boards (e.g., CPA, nursing, education)
- College credit transfer
- Any application that requires GPA evaluation
Typical Cost Range:
💲 $150–$300+, depending on complexity, turnaround time, and additional services like rush delivery or extra copies
Credential Evaluation Costs: What to Look Out For
When comparing evaluation services, don’t just look at the base price—consider:
| Factor | What to Check |
| Membership | Choose an agency that is a member of AICE or NACES. ACEI is a charter member of AICE, known for its high standards. |
| Report Type | Confirm whether you need a document-by-document or course-by-course evaluation. |
| Processing Time | Faster delivery often costs more—some agencies charge over $100 extra for rush services. |
| Hidden Fees | Look out for mailing, notarization, translation, or duplicate reports charges. |
Pro Tip: Some agencies allow you to upgrade from a document-by-document report to a course-by-course report later, for a fee. But it’s usually more affordable to choose the right evaluation upfront.
ACEI: Affordable, Accurate, and Trusted
At ACEI, we offer both evaluation types with transparent pricing and high-quality standards:
| Evaluation Type | Cost | Ideal For |
| Basic Report (Document-by-Document) | 💲 Competitive and upfront | Employment, immigration, and general admissions |
| Comprehensive Report (Course-by-Course) | 💲 Still affordable | Graduate school, licensing, GPA-based applications |
We never compromise on accuracy and are proud to be a trusted AICE member agency recognized by academic institutions, employers, and licensing boards.
Need help choosing? Contact our team for a personalized recommendation.
Conclusion: Cost-Effective Decisions Start with Clarity
Choosing between a document-by-document and course-by-course evaluation isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about aligning with your goals while staying cost-conscious. Before you order, clarify the requirements of your intended institution or employer, and choose an evaluation that meets those needs affordably.
Ready to get started?
Apply for your credential evaluation with ACEI and discover why thousands trust us for reliable, affordable, and fast credential assessments.
