Many adults have years of professional experience but lack the degree to prove it. A growing number of accredited online colleges now award credit for work-life experience — including prior employment, military service, professional certifications, and volunteer work — through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
What Is Work-Life Experience Credit?
Work-life experience credit, also known as prior learning assessment (PLA), allows students to earn college credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom. This can include:
- Professional experience — Credit for skills gained through employment
- Military training — ACE-reviewed military credits
- Professional certifications — Industry credentials that map to coursework
- Volunteer work — Relevant experience from nonprofit organizations
- Life experience — Portfolios demonstrating college-level learning
Top Online Colleges Offering Experience Credit
Western Governors University — Competency-based model where prior knowledge speeds up degree completion. Flat-rate tuition per term lets you accelerate.
Thomas Edison State University — Dedicated PLA program with up to 90 credits possible through prior learning assessments.
Excelsior University — Accepts credit from military training, professional certifications, and standardized exams like CLEP and DSST.
Southern New Hampshire University — Comprehensive credit transfer and prior learning assessment program for adult learners.
Liberty University — Awards credit for military experience, professional training, and approved certifications.
How to Maximize Your Experience Credit
Start by requesting official transcripts from all prior institutions. Then gather documentation for professional certifications, military service records, and training certificates. Most colleges offer a credit evaluation before enrollment so you know exactly how much credit you’ll receive.
