Many adult-focused colleges offer Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) that let you earn credit for:

• Job experience
• Military service
• Professional training or certifications
• Community involvement or independent study

Some schools even accept portfolio reviews or exams to prove what you already know. The result? Fewer classes, less tuition, and a quicker path to your goal.

If you’ve taken college classes before—even years ago—those credits might still count.

• Ask about credit transfers for general education or previous coursework.
• Look for schools with generous transfer policies that don’t make you retake classes.

You shouldn’t have to redo what you’ve already done. A good school will help you move forward—not backward.

Let’s face it: experience matters in the real world. You’ve likely learned to manage people, solve problems, and handle complex situations.

Some colleges now offer:

• Competency-based learning, where you move through material faster if you already know it.
• Work-based projects that align with what you do on the job.
• Customized degree plans based on your background and career goals.

These options give you a head start and make education more relevant to your everyday life.

Respecting your time means offering learning that works on your schedule:

• Online and evening classes so you can learn when it works best for you.
• Self-paced options to go faster or slower depending on your week.
• Support services like academic advisors and tech help, even after hours.

You’re already juggling a lot—school shouldn’t add to the stress. The right program will fit into your life, not take it over.

When a college recognizes your experience, it sends a message: We see you. We value what you’ve done. Now let’s build on it.

This approach helps you:

• Finish your degree faster
• Spend less money
• Stay motivated—because it all feels more meaningful

You’ve already done the hard work. Now it’s time to get credit for it.