How to Transfer College Credits as an Adult Learner and Earn Credits for Life Experience
Going back to school as an adult doesn’t mean starting from scratch. If you’ve taken college classes, earned certifications, or gained valuable experience through your work, there’s a good chance you can use those accomplishments toward your degree. Transferring college credits and earning credit for prior learning can save you time, money, and effort so you can focus on reaching your educational and career goals faster.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Academic Records
If you’ve gone to college before, start by tracking down your official transcripts. Schools usually need official transcripts from every institution you’ve attended to evaluate your transfer credits.
- Reach out to the registrar’s office at your former school. You can usually request transcripts online through their website.
- Check for fees and processing times. Some schools charge a small fee per transcript, and it can take a few days up to a couple of weeks to process.
- Use unofficial transcripts for early planning. If your school offers it, an unofficial copy is a great way to review your completed credits while waiting for the official documents to arrive.
Step 2: Understand College Transfer Credit Policies
Every college has its own transfer credit policies, so it’s important to review the guidelines. Not all credits transfer equally, and some of your previous courses may not count toward your new degree.
What Colleges Consider:
- Course Equivalency: Does the class you’ve taken match the requirements of your new program?
- Grade Requirements: Most schools will only accept credits for classes where you earned a C or higher.
- Credit Expiration: In fields like technology, healthcare, or science, credits may have expiration dates because those fields change so quickly.
Making the Most of Your Transfer Credits
Transferring schools can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you can make the most of the credits you’ve already earned.
Take a close look at course descriptions. Compare the classes you’ve taken with the requirements of your new program. This simple step can help you identify where your credits fit and save you time and effort.
Ask for a credit evaluation early. Many schools offer evaluations before you even enroll, so you’ll know upfront which credits will transfer. This can give you peace of mind as you plan your next steps.
Speak up if a credit is denied. If a class isn’t accepted but seems like it should be, don’t hesitate to appeal. Providing a syllabus or extra documentation can sometimes overturn the decision.
By understanding how your credits transfer, you can set yourself up for a smoother path toward your degree.
Step 3: Turn Work and Life Experience Into College Credit
If you’ve been working or building skills in your career, that experience can often count toward your degree. Many schools recognize that adults gain valuable learning outside of the classroom. If you’ve worked in a professional field, served in the military, or completed corporate or technical training, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning (CPL).
Ways to Earn College Credit for Experience:
1. Prior Learning Assessments (PLA):
Some schools let you earn credit by showing what you already know. Whether it’s through exams, essays, or a portfolio of your work, you can skip over courses that cover material you’ve already mastered.
2. Competency-Based Programs:
These programs focus on what you know, not how long you sit in a classroom. You can move at your own pace and finish faster by testing out of subjects you’re already strong in.
3. Professional Certifications:
Industry-recognized credentials (like CompTIA, CNA, PMP) may convert into academic credit.
4. Military Experience:
Your military training has given you valuable skills, and many schools will honor that through credit recommendations like Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or ACE evaluations.
How to Get Started:
- Reach out to your school to find out if they offer options like PLA or credit evaluations.
- Collect any documents you have, such as certifications, training records, or portfolios of relevant work.
- See if you qualify for credit-by-exam programs like CLEP or DSST.
Step 4: Explore Flexible Credit-Earning Options
If you’re missing a few credits, there are low-cost, flexible alternatives to help you stay on track.
How You Can Earn Credits More Quickly:
- CLEP and DSST Exams: If you already have knowledge in certain subjects, you can take these exams to earn college credit without taking an entire course.
- Community College Courses: Taking courses at a community college can save you money and fulfill requirements. You can transfer those credits to your main school.
- Online Course Platforms: Flexible, affordable platforms like StraighterLine, Sophia Learning, or Study.com let you take courses at your own pace and earn credits that many schools accept.
- Dual Enrollment Programs: Some schools allow you to take courses at different institutions at the same time, helping you make progress even faster.
Step 5: Plan Your Degree Path with Confidence
Once you’ve figured out which credits transfer and how to use your prior experience, it’s time to map out a clear, manageable path to graduation.
Tips for Adult Learners:
- Reach out to your academic advisor. They’re there to help you make the most of your transferred credits and avoid unnecessary courses, so you can stay on track and focused.
- Tackle prerequisites early. Knocking out foundational courses first will keep you moving forward without surprises slowing you down.
- Keep your workload realistic. If you’re balancing work, family, and school, try pairing tougher classes with lighter ones to keep things manageable and prevent burnout.
- Double-check credit limits. Some schools have caps on how many transfer credits they’ll accept, so make sure you know where you stand.
By planning carefully, you’ll be able to use every credit to its fullest, keep things organized, and move closer to your goal—graduating. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Building on What You’ve Already Achieved
Going back to school as an adult doesn’t mean starting over. By transferring existing credits, earning credit for your experiences, and exploring flexible options, you can complete your degree faster–and on your own terms. Here’s how to make the most of what you’ve already accomplished:
- Request your transcripts early to see what credits can transfer.
- Learn about your school’s transfer credit policies.
- Use your work and life experience to earn additional credit where possible.
- Look into credit-by-exam programs or alternative courses.
- Create a clear plan for your degree, step by step.
Every credit you’ve earned is a step forward, and each one gets you closer to the future you’ve been working toward. It’s not always an easy process, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. With thoughtful planning and the right support, you can build on everything you’ve already achieved and make your goals a reality.
