If you've been working, serving, or learning outside a classroom, you may already be closer to a degree than you think. Many colleges award credit for prior learning — turning experience into progress.
What can count
Professional certifications, military training, employer courses, and demonstrated knowledge can all translate into credit, depending on the school. Standardized exams like CLEP are another common route.
How it's assessed
Schools evaluate prior learning through portfolios, exams, or reviews of training records. The more documentation you can provide, the smoother the process.
Why it matters
Every credit you're awarded is one you don't have to pay for or sit through — often trimming months off your timeline. Ask any school you're considering how much credit you could bring in.