Turn Your Experience into Credit: How Prior Learning Can Accelerate Your Degree

You’ve Done the Work—Now Make It Count

If you’ve been in the workforce, served in the military, completed professional training, or pursued certifications, you may already have what it takes to earn college credit. At Friends University, we believe your experience matters—and we’re here to help you translate it into meaningful academic progress.

What Is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) lets adult learners apply to receive up to 60 undergraduate credits for the knowledge and skills they’ve gained outside of a traditional classroom. Whether you’ve led projects, earned professional licenses, or mastered industry tools on the job, those experiences can help you finish your degree faster—and save on tuition.

You may be eligible to earn credit through:

• Professional or military training
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Portfolio assessments
• Nationally recognized exams like College-Level Exam Program (CLEP) or DSST

How the Process Works at Friends University

We’ve made the process simple, supportive, and tailored for adult learners:

1. Talk to Your Academic Success CoachThey’ll help assess where you might qualify for credit and explain what documentation or assessments are needed.
2. Submit Your Prior Learning EvidenceDepending on your background, this might include training certificates, professional licenses, military transcripts, or a written portfolio.
3. Get Credit EvaluatedFaculty members or academic staff will review your submissions and determine how many credits apply to your degree plan.
4. Save Time and MoneyEvery credit earned through CPL means fewer courses to take—so you can graduate sooner and reduce your tuition cost.

Common Areas Where Adult Learners Earn Credit

Many Friends University students earn CPL in fields like:

• Business and leadership
• Computer science and IT
• Criminal justice
• Education and early childhood
• Healthcare administration
• Ministry and non-profit leadership

Have a unique background? Let’s talk. You may qualify for more than you think.

Benefits of Prior Learning Credit

• Save Money: Fewer classes = lower tuition.
• Graduate Faster: Finish your degree months (or even years) sooner.
• Get Recognized for What You Know: Turn your life experience into a credential that opens doors.
• Stay Motivated: See faster progress toward your goals.

Is Credit for Prior Learning Right for You?

If any of the following sound like you, credit for prior learning is worth exploring:

• You’ve been working in your field for years
• You’ve completed military or workplace training
• You’ve taken industry exams or certifications
• You’ve led projects, managed people, or taught others
• You’re ready to finish your degree and want to do it efficiently

Start the Conversation Today

Prior learning credit is one of the most powerful tools adult learners can use. If you’re already balancing work, family, and school, CPL can lighten your course load and move you closer to graduation. Best of all, our team is here to walk you through it.

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Tell us a little about you, and we’ll connect you with the answers you need. Ready to get started at Friends?