How to Finish Your Degree Without Starting Over: A Guide to Credit Transfer and Prior Learning Assessment
Going back to college as an adult can feel overwhelming—but what if you didn’t have to start from scratch? Whether you’ve taken college classes before or gained valuable experience through work or military service, you may already be closer to graduation than you think.
By understanding how credit transfers and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) work, you can finish your degree faster—and for less money. This guide walks you through the key strategies to turn your past into progress and complete your bachelor’s degree with confidence.
🎓 Make the Most of Your Previous College Credits
If you’ve attended college in the past—even if it was years ago—you may have accumulated credits that still count toward a degree today. Knowing how to transfer those credits can help you avoid repeating courses and reduce both the cost and time to graduation.
📑 Gather Your Transcripts
Start by requesting official transcripts from any colleges or universities you’ve attended. Most institutions have an online request form or portal for this process.
📚 Understand Transfer Policies
Each college sets its own rules for what credits it accepts. Some may only accept courses from regionally accredited institutions or set limits on the age of coursework. Be sure to ask your prospective college about their transfer credit evaluation process.
🔗 Explore Articulation Agreements
Some schools—especially those in the same state—have formal agreements (called articulation agreements) that make transferring credits smoother. These partnerships are designed to help students retain the maximum number of credits when switching institutions.
💡 Want to skip the guesswork?
Browse our list of Best Colleges for Adults—featuring schools that support transfer credit, life experience credit, and flexible pathways to graduation.
🧠 Earn Credit for What You Already Know: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Not all college learning happens in the classroom. If you’ve gained knowledge through work, military service, certifications, or volunteering, you may be able to convert that experience into college credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) provides national standards and resources to help you understand how PLA works and how to get started.
✅ What Counts Toward PLA Credit?
- Full-time or long-term job experience
- Military service or training programs
- Industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA, CNA, PMP)
- Volunteer leadership roles
- Self-guided learning tied to course outcomes
✍️ Types of PLA Options
- CLEP and DSST exams let you demonstrate subject knowledge and earn college credit by testing out of general education requirements.
- CLEP exams are widely accepted by colleges and can help you earn credit in subjects like math, English, and history.
- DSST exams are another credit-by-exam option, especially helpful for military and adult learners looking to demonstrate college-level learning.
- Portfolio Assessments: Submit a detailed collection of your experiences, accomplishments, and how they align with course-level learning outcomes.
- ACE or Military Transcript Evaluations: If you served in the military, you might already have credits documented and approved by the American Council on Education.
📨 How to Apply for PLA
Each college’s PLA process is different, but most include these steps:
- Submit documentation (transcripts, resumes, certificates)
- Complete a PLA workshop or orientation (if required)
- Build a portfolio or take exams
- Receive credit evaluation and approval
Read our guide to College Credit for Life Experience
🕒 Flexible Degree Completion Programs for Adults
Many colleges today offer degree completion programs tailored specifically to non-traditional students. These programs acknowledge the realities of adult life—work, family, and limited time—and offer flexible options to help you succeed.
🖥️ Flexible Learning Options
- 100% online and hybrid formats
- Evening or weekend classes
- Accelerated terms for faster progress
🙌 Support Built for Adult Learners
These programs often include personalized advising, career services, and dedicated staff who understand the unique needs of adult students.
🧭 Steps to Finish Your Degree Without Starting Over
Here’s your step-by-step plan to make the most of your existing experience:
1. Research Colleges
Look for schools that offer generous credit transfer policies and robust PLA options. Make sure they offer formats (online, evening, hybrid) that fit your schedule.
2. Gather Documentation
Collect previous college transcripts and any materials related to your work experience—like resumes, certifications, and proof of training.
3. Consult an Advisor
Reach out to an academic advisor at your chosen college. They can help you assess which credits will transfer and how PLA can work for you.
4. Apply for Admission
Start your application and be sure to submit all relevant documents to ensure you receive full credit consideration.
5. Create a Graduation Plan
Work with your advisor to map out a plan that maximizes your credits, minimizes duplication, and gets you to graduation faster. Check out our guide to navigating student services to help get you to that graduation stage!
🧾 Download: Credit Transfer & PLA Questions to Ask Before You Apply
Not sure what to ask colleges about transfer credits or life experience credit? Use this free checklist to guide your research and avoid starting from scratch.
- ✅ What schools accept your previous credits?
- ✅ Which PLA options (like CLEP, portfolios, or military credit) are offered?
- ✅ How many transfer or PLA credits can you apply?
No email required. Just click to download and get started.
🎉 You’re Closer Than You Think
You’ve already done the hard part—now it’s time to finish what you started. With the right support, flexible degree options, and recognition for what you already know, you can earn your college degree and take the next step toward your personal and professional goals.
