(US)
US universities that recognize your experience
In the United States, universities call it Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Here are accredited universities that publish how they recognize experience.
Credit for experience, the States way
In the United States, universities call it Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). You can earn credit through a portfolio, through recognized professional training and certifications, or through challenge exams. A typical bachelor’s degree is 120 semester credits, and each university sets how many of those can come from prior learning.
Your experience covers part of the degree, and you complete the remaining modules with the university, typically online and around your work.
6 universities to explore
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Credit for Prior LearningA major public research university with an undergraduate credit for prior learning policy that recognizes knowledge gained outside the classroom.
Read the policy ↗Higher Learning CommissionThomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)Built for adult learners, with several ways to turn professional knowledge into credit, including portfolio assessment.
Read the policy ↗Middle States Commission on Higher EducationCharter Oak State College
New Britain, Connecticut
Portfolio AssessmentAn online college for working adults that assesses learning from work through a structured portfolio.
Read the policy ↗New England Commission of Higher EducationExcelsior University
Albany, New York
Credit for Portfolio AssessmentAn online university built for adult learners, with credit through portfolio assessment alongside credit for IT certifications, training and exams.
Read the policy ↗Middle States Commission on Higher EducationSUNY Empire State University
Saratoga Springs, New York
Individualized Credit for Prior Learning (iCPL)Part of the State University of New York, with an individualized process where expert evaluators review college-level learning from your work and life.
Read the policy ↗Middle States Commission on Higher EducationUniversity of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, Maryland
Credit for Prior Learning (Portfolio)A pioneer in online degrees for working adults, with a prior learning portfolio route where faculty experts review what you have learned through your career.
Read the policy ↗Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Each name links to the university’s own published policy. We’re independent, and a listing reflects that published policy.
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