Have you ever thought your life experience could help you earn credits for a college degree? Empire State University’s innovative Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process lets you earn credit for the knowledge and experience you already have. This saves you time and money. Whether from work, training, service, or previous college credits, you can use your past to get ahead faster.

Turn Knowledge into Savings

$10k
amount you could save through CPL earning your bachelor’s degree
2 Years
average time saved on earning a degree
1,500+
opportunities to earn credit for your learning

Credits Hidden in Plain Sight

You can turn all types of prior experiences into college credits. Here are just a few examples:

  • AP courses: History, Calculus, Chemistry (the list goes on!)
  • Speaking a second language (more credits for more proficiency!)
  • CVS Shift Supervisor Training
  • FDNY training courses (boot camp, computer training, and more)
  • Sophia Learning and Study.com courses
  • Google UX Design Certificate

Get started with our simple assessment. We’ll work with you to maximize your credits and move you closer to graduation!

Credit for Prior Learning
student

Common Credit Areas

These areas offer some of the most straightforward ways to earn credit. Don’t worry if none of these apply to you — there are many other ways to receive credit for your learning.

Life Experience Supports Your Degree

We go beyond simply awarding credit for your experience. We match your knowledge to degree requirements, helping you graduate faster and advance in a field you love.
Gat with SUNY Empire Logo
I thought SUNY Empire would allow me to achieve a college degree while working full time, maximize the credits I had accumulated from my prior studies, give me credit for what I learned through some of my life’s experiences, and allow me to study material that was of interest to me. I was correct.
Jonathan Darche
Graduate, 2000
After SUNY Empire, Jonathan Darche went on to complete law school. He is now the Executive Director of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board

Are You a High School Senior?

Some experience seniors get credit for include:

  • Volunteer work
  • Playing a musical instrument
  • Speaking a foreign language
  • Coding or IT work
Get Started
high school student

FAQ

 
The best place to start is with a resume. We use this as a starting point to get a big picture of your experience. If you don’t have a resume, create a list of your jobs, certifications, trainings, and any other experiences that might count toward credit.
You’ll collaborate with your mentor or enrollment officer to complete the Prior Learning Assessment. This simple process helps us uncover all the credits you can earn from your experiences.
We can start finding credits for you when you apply to SUNY Empire and throughout your time as a student here.

Contact Us

Someone talk online
You can get credit for prior learning at any time in your academic journey. We’ll continue to help you find opportunities for credits until graduation.