Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for students seeking credit for work experience is Westfield State University, followed by Central Michigan University.
- Top colleges offer credit for work and life experience to help you earn a degree faster.
- Programs are designed for busy adults to save time and money while leveraging their existing knowledge.
- Credit can be earned through Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs), professional certifications, and military service.
- Flexible and accommodating programs let you study at your own pace and advance your career.
Are you an adult learner juggling a full-time job but eager to earn your degree? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the top colleges that offer credit for your work and life experience, helping you fast-track your education without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious time. These programs are tailor-made for busy individuals like you who are seeking accelerated paths to a degree while leveraging the knowledge and skills you’ve gained outside the classroom.
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Imagine earning college credit for the years you’ve spent working, learning, and growing in your career and personal life. That’s exactly what these colleges offer. From Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs) to credit for professional certifications and military service, these institutions understand that learning doesn’t just happen in traditional classrooms. With their flexible and accommodating programs, you can earn your degree at your own pace, saving both time and money while advancing your career and personal goals. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect fit for your educational journey!
Last updated: October 8, 2024

What are the Best Schools Offering Work and Life Experience Credit?
At CollegeRank, we start with data and evaluation informed by experience. Our trusted team of professional researchers, writers, and editors develop each ranking and resource with future learners in mind. We are invested in highlighting degree programs and options that are known for quality, affordability, accessibility, and return on investment.
Our rankings and resources are continually updated with the most recent available data and information on trends in higher education. Our unique and proven ranking methodology sets us apart because our ranking system is based on the following three aspects:

In addition, we looked at the following points:
- A school’s ability to offer programs that focus on work experience credits,
- Has earned proper accreditation,
- Offers a variety of learning formats for convenience and flexibility,
- Taught by qualified professors who are experts in their fields.
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
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All data is accurate at the time of publication.
Per Credit Hour Tuition and Average Net Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.
The Best Schools Offering College Credit for Work and Life Experience
Westfield State University

Westfield State University was founded in 1839 and is the first college in the country to offer an education without barriers related to race, gender, or economic status. Westfield offers 33 different majors. Students can choose from 10 online degree completion programs in areas like:
- Management
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Marketing
- Sociology
Westfield State has earned recognition for the quality of its online programs and offers classes year-round, providing flexibility for faster degree completion. Students can save time and money by earning credits for military experience or internships. Students can also demonstrate proficiency in academic areas by completing a Prior-Learning Portfolio.
The process includes enrolling in a Portfolio Writing course to complete a proposal assessing prior learning experiences. These proposals are submitted for review. Students can earn up to 12 credits for life experience through this route.
Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University offers a diverse selection of 42 online degree programs and over 25 certificate programs, professional development courses, and personal enrichment courses.
CMU also provides accelerated degree options for students who want to concurrently pursue master’s degree courses while completing their bachelor’s degree. With the majority of classes being asynchronous and minimal on-campus requirements, CMU’s Global Campus prioritizes flexibility for its students.
CMU offers opportunities for students to earn credit for prior learning. They recognize the importance of work, training, and life experiences in the role of education. Undergraduates can submit a portfolio showcasing their skills. For each credit awarded, students pay $110. Up to 60 credits can be awarded. Graduate students can earn credit following the same procedure. Up to 12 credits can be awarded at a rate of $125 per credit.
Students enrolled in specific programs can also earn academic credit for their experience in the field. The Master of Public Administration program awards up to six hours of academic credit for professional experience in the last seven years.
Students enrolled in the MA in Education Learning Design and Technology program can earn credit for being certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator or a Microsoft Certified Educator.
University of Memphis

Back in the 1970s, the University of Memphis set up a Division of Professional and Continuing Education. Fast forward to today, and they’ve evolved into the University of Memphis Global, offering over 60 fully online programs.
These programs are super flexible, with no campus visits required. Most classes are offered in an asynchronous format, letting you study whenever suits you best.
Earning your degree from UofM Global is a great way to get a top-notch education from a respected university that is tailored to your lifestyle. Plus, they’re big on recognizing prior learning and understanding that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms. Whether it’s through PLA Portfolios or CLEP exams, they’ve got options to help you get credit for what you already know.
Students can earn credits through a variety of methods, including credit by exam. In addition to earning credits by taking CLEP exams, students can also earn credit for the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. Students can also receive credit for many undergraduate courses by taking Departmental Exams. The University also participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board and awards credit for scores of a 3, 4 or 5.
Students with professional development training or other relevant experience can complete the Experiential Learning Credit (ELC) Program to demonstrate their academic skills. Eligible students can save time and money by converting their experience into college credit. Credits are awarded at a reduced rate of just $75 each.
Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University’s EKU Online division offers over 100 online degree and certificate programs in fields like:
- business
- criminal justice
- education
- nursing
- psychology
- social work
With six start dates throughout the year and courses taught by the same faculty as on-campus classes, EKU Online prioritizes flexibility for busy students. Many courses are asynchronous, allowing students to study on their own schedule. Generous financial aid options are available.
EKU recognizes the value of life and work experience, formally granting credit to actively enrolled degree-seeking students. Students can earn credit for:
- workplace training
- military service
- community service
EKU accepts ACE credit, which is the primary method for recognizing military service. The ACE also evaluates open-source courses and industry training outside of the military. EKU also accepts Advanced Placement Program credit as well as CLEP and DSST exams.
Several EKU departments also allow students to earn Credit by Examination in order to test for college credit. Finally, students with occupational experience can complete a portfolio assessment and petition for academic credit.
Linfield University

Linfield University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Linfield exclusively offers bachelor’s degrees. With a student body of fewer than 2,000, Linfield offers a diverse range of 72 majors and minors. Online students can choose from five different majors, including:
- Accounting
- International business
- Management
- Marketing
- Nonprofit management
Educators can earn a variety of endorsements online. Certificate programs are also available in areas like marketing and secondary education. Linfield University embraces a welcoming policy, allowing students to receive credits for prior learning from past experiences, including:
- travel
- personal interests
- family
- life experiences
This inclusive approach makes Linfield an excellent choice for those seeking credit for their life experiences. There are three ways students can earn this credit. They include:
- Linfield’s Prior Learning Degree Portfolio: Students will develop a portfolio that analyzes and documents prior learning. Up to 31 credits can be obtained through this process.
- American Council on Education: Students can earn credit for life experience through their time in the military or from training in business and industry.
- Credit by Exam: Linfield awards credits for CLEP examinations. Students with significant knowledge or experience in an area can challenge a Linfield course by taking an exam and passing with either an A or B.
DeSales University

DeSales University is a private, four-year university strategically located just a few hours from New York City and Washington, DC. offers over 30 online programs, including accelerated bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates. Classes are asynchronous, meaning you can study at your own pace.
Courses are condensed into six- or eight-week sessions. With 11 start dates throughout the year, you have flexibility in scheduling. Additionally, financial aid and academic support services are readily available to students.
Online students can complete their degree in an accelerated format, saving time and money. If you need to take a break, you can resume your studies seamlessly. The university accepts up to 75 transfer credits and offers various ways to earn credits for your experience.
DeSales awards credit by examination through the CLEP or DSST program. High school students can earn college credits for dual enrollment courses or by taking College Board Advanced Placement Examinations for specific subjects. Students can also earn college credit by taking DeSales University Challenge Examinations or by going through a portfolio assessment process.
Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Albertus offers innovative, accelerated online programs for working adults.
Students can choose from instructor-led online learning or self-paced online instruction. Courses are offered in short, eight-week terms, allowing students to complete 30 credits per year by taking two courses each term. Albertus Magnus offers over 20 different degree programs in areas like:
- project management
- public administration
- social science
- human services
Students can earn prior learning credits through CLEP, DANTES exams, challenge exams, or by submitting a portfolio. Financial aid is available for both full- and part-time students, and the college offers access to internships, experiential learning, career services, and more.
Undergraduate students can save time and money by earning prior learning credits. These credits can be earned through CLEP and ACT-PEP examinations. Students can also choose to take challenge examinations or submit a portfolio. Albertus Magnus allows students to earn up to 45 credits for prior learning activities.
Purdue Global

Purdue Global is backed by one of the most well-respected institutions in the country, Purdue University. It was designed to meet the needs of working adults. Students can advance their careers with a relevant degree or certificate from the comfort of home. Purdue Global offers more than 175 online degree and certificate programs in areas like:
- education
- criminal justice
- business
- communication
- criminal justice
Purdue Global has made it a priority to help students find an efficient and affordable way to meet their goals. Online students can earn credit from work experience, prior learning credits, and military experience and apply those credits toward up to 75% of their bachelor’s degree.
Students can also earn credit for experience by completing an experiential learning portfolio. In 2021-2022, students who went through the portfolio process earned an average of 33 quarter hour credits and saved almost $11,000 in tuition expenses.
Walsh University

Walsh University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Ohio. Walsh was founded in 1960 and today offers more than 20 undergraduate online programs. Accelerated degrees are available in a variety of areas, including:
- aviation
- business
- communication
- computer science and information technology
- healthcare
- interdisciplinary studies
- social and behavioral sciences
Courses span five or eight weeks and offer self-paced learning. Some programs can be completed in just over a year of full-time study.
Undergraduate students can earn credits through the Wash University Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Wash accepts test results for both CLEP and DSST exams. They also accept military experience recognized by a regional accrediting body or the ACE.
Students can complete an Individualized Student Portfolio (ISP) to seek college credit by demonstrating their knowledge and skills. Walsh students can also earn credit for corporate training, professional certification, or relevant licensure. Students can apply up to 45 PLA credit hours toward their degree.
North Park University

North Park University is a small, private university located on the north side of Chicago. The university was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church. The School of Professional Studies at NPU offers online undergraduate programs in six areas, including:
- Business Administration
- Counseling Psychology
- Digital Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
- Organizational Management and Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from their previous college(s). They can also save 20% off the cost of tuition by transferring to North Park with an associate’s degree.
North Park offers students in the School of Professional Studies the opportunity to receive Credit for Prior Learning. Students can earn credit for:
- informal life experience
- professional training
- certification
- licensure
Students can work with a CPL Coordinator to complete the process and choose the route that is best for them. North Park accepts CLEP exams for certain subject areas. Students who have completed specialized training or seminars can also earn credit. Credit by essay is also a CPL option for students who want to earn credit from experiential learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Credit for life experiences is a process that allows individuals to earn college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of traditional academic settings. This can include work experience, military training, volunteer work, and self-directed learning.
Students with significant knowledge or training can demonstrate their proficiency in specific subjects or areas of study and potentially receive academic credit toward their degree requirements. However, the acceptance of life experiences for credit varies depending on the institution and the specific program’s policies.
Yes, you can use your work experience to earn credits toward a degree. In fact, there are many colleges that give college credit for work experience. Some schools use a process called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
PLA allows you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through work, military service, volunteering, or other life experiences and potentially earn college credit for them. This process typically involves creating a portfolio or documentation of your experiences, which is then evaluated by the college or university. If your experiences meet the criteria for college-level learning, you may be awarded credit toward your degree.
Schools typically limit the number of credits a student can earn through this process. You will need to check with the college or university you’re considering about their policies and procedures for assessing work experience for academic credit.
Yes, certifications can count toward college credits at many institutions. Some colleges and universities offer credit for certain professional certifications or licenses that demonstrate knowledge and expertise in specific fields. These credits are often awarded through a process called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
A faculty advisor will evaluate your certification or license to determine if it meets the criteria for college credit. However, the acceptance of certifications for credit varies depending on the institution and the specific certification. It’s essential to check with the college or university you’re interested in attending to understand their policies regarding credits for certifications.