Friends University recognizes that learning may take place in settings other than the college classroom. Many adult students have acquired knowledge from training or life experiences (a job, self-education or practical experience), which is equivalent to that provided in the classroom. Where college-level learning from these experiences can be verified and properly documented, Friends University will award college credit.

Any student enrolled at Friends University may apply for experiential learning credits – either life learning or professional/technical training – by submitting the necessary documentation to the Prior Learning Assessment Office. Faculty members from a cross-section of academic disciplines assess the training and experiences.

The maximum amount of experiential learning credit that may be awarded is 30 credit hours. Experiential credit is not recognized as credit meeting residency requirements for degrees.

Experiential credit can save money and reduce the length of time needed to achieve a baccalaureate degree. Although numerous other colleges also recognize experiential learning, each institution sets its own standards on what and how many credits it will accept in transfer. Students intending to transfer or attend graduate school should inquire of that school how experiential credit will be accepted.

You may also contact the Prior Learning Assessment Office at lle@friends.edu, 316-295-5885 or 1-800-794-6945, ext. 5885.