& Universities
Online colleges that offer work life experience credit are becoming increasingly popular among students who are looking to earn a degree while balancing their personal and professional commitments. These colleges recognize the value of prior learning experiences and offer credit for relevant work and life experiences. This allows students to earn credit for what they already know, reducing the time and cost required to complete their degree.
One of the benefits of online colleges that offer work life experience credit is that they provide a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to fit individual needs. Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it easier to balance work, family, and other commitments. Additionally, these colleges often offer a wide range of degree programs, from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees, allowing students to choose the program that best fits their career goals.
Another advantage of online colleges that offer work life experience credit is that they provide a pathway for non-traditional students to earn a degree. Many students who have been out of school for several years or who have work and family responsibilities may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional college. Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide an alternative that allows these students to earn a degree while continuing to work and meet their other obligations.
Bellevue University
Many online colleges now recognize the value of work-life experience and offer programs that allow students to earn college credit for real-world learning. These programs are ideal for individuals who have gained skills and knowledge in their careers and want to translate those into academic credit to fast-track their degree completion. Here are a few key details about a school that offers this valuable opportunity:
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that students receive a quality education recognized by employers and other institutions. The duration of the program varies depending on the individual’s work-life experience and their chosen degree, but many students can complete their degree in less time due to credits earned through their experience. Key features include personalized academic advising, flexible learning options, and the ability to earn credits by documenting prior learning through portfolios, assessments, and exams.
Tuition varies by program, with an estimated cost of $8,000 to $12,000 per year. This can be offset by credits earned through work-life experience, helping to reduce the total cost of the degree program. Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, are also available to eligible students.
This program offers flexible online learning that fits into busy schedules, enabling students to balance work, life, and academics. The unique offering of credit for work-life experience helps adult learners save time and money while advancing their education. Additionally, the school provides strong career services to support students in translating their education into career advancement.
Excelsior College
Excelsior College is another top option for those seeking to earn college credit for work-life experience. This flexible, accredited institution offers a range of programs that allow students to translate their professional and personal learning into academic credit, helping them to advance quickly toward their degree.
Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring a high standard of academic quality. Students can earn credits through their prior learning assessments, including work experience, military training, certifications, and other real-life experiences. The duration of the program varies based on the number of credits earned through work-life experience. Excelsior offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as nursing, business, and technology, and provides flexible online learning options that allow students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments.
The estimated cost per year for tuition is approximately $7,000 to $11,000, depending on the program. Credits earned through work experience can reduce the total cost and time required for completion. Excelsior College also offers financial aid opportunities, including federal aid and scholarships, to eligible students.
Excelsior College is ideal for adult learners looking to earn a degree while leveraging their existing knowledge and professional experience. Its focus on prior learning assessments helps reduce time to degree, while its strong academic support and flexible online learning options provide a convenient and personalized education experience.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an innovative and flexible approach for students to earn college credit for work-life experience, making it a top choice for adult learners seeking to advance their education while leveraging their professional expertise.
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is respected by employers. The university offers an option for students to earn credit for prior learning through their Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which evaluates work-life experience, military service, and other professional certifications. The duration of the program varies depending on the student’s prior learning and chosen degree, allowing many students to graduate faster than traditional programs. SNHU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, many of which are available entirely online for maximum flexibility.
The estimated annual tuition cost at SNHU is approximately $15,000 for undergraduate students, with graduate programs costing between $18,000 and $22,000. Students can reduce their costs through PLA credits earned from their work-life experience. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans, are available to eligible students.
SNHU is renowned for its supportive, student-centered approach, offering robust academic advising and career services to help students apply their education toward career growth. The flexibility of fully online programs makes it an excellent choice for working professionals. SNHU’s commitment to providing credit for real-world experience allows students to progress more quickly, saving both time and money while achieving their educational goals.
Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers a unique opportunity for adult learners to earn college credit for their work-life experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to fast-track their degree completion.
TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), ensuring high standards of academic quality. The university provides a robust Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, allowing students to earn credits based on their professional and life experiences, including work, volunteer work, and military service. TESU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with flexible online learning options that accommodate students’ personal and professional commitments. The duration of the program depends on the student’s prior learning and degree path, and many students can complete their degree more quickly by utilizing PLA credits.
The estimated annual tuition for undergraduate students at TESU is approximately $7,000 to $9,000, while graduate programs cost between $12,000 and $18,000 per year. Students can save significantly on tuition by applying PLA credits to their degree requirements. TESU offers financial aid, including federal student loans, grants, and scholarships, to eligible students.
TESU is known for its flexibility and commitment to adult learners, offering personalized support through academic advising and career services. The ability to earn credit for work-life experience allows students to reduce the time and cost of obtaining their degree. With a strong focus on real-world knowledge, TESU provides a valuable, affordable education that prepares students for career advancement.
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSU-DH)
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSU-DH) offers an excellent program for adult learners to earn college credit for their work-life experience, making it a great option for individuals who want to leverage their professional experience to earn a degree faster.
CSU-DH is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring academic excellence. The university offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program that allows students to earn credits for their real-world experience, including work experience, military service, and other non-college learning. The university provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are available online to accommodate busy professionals. The duration of the program is flexible, with students able to accelerate their degree completion through the use of PLA credits.
The estimated annual tuition for undergraduate students is approximately $18,000 for California residents, while out-of-state students can expect to pay about $30,000 per year. Graduate tuition typically ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. PLA credits can significantly reduce both the time and cost of earning a degree. Financial aid, including federal loans, grants, and scholarships, is available to eligible students.
CSU-DH is known for its diverse student population and commitment to providing quality education to adult learners. The PLA program is designed to recognize the value of work-life experience, helping students save time and money on their educational journey. With strong support services and flexible learning options, CSU-DH helps students successfully balance their education with their professional and personal responsibilities.
University of Maine at Augusta (UMA)
University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers an innovative and flexible pathway for adult learners to earn college credit for work-life experience, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to earn a degree faster while leveraging their professional knowledge.
UMA is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education. The university provides a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program that allows students to earn academic credit for work experience, military service, volunteer work, and other life experiences. UMA offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are available fully online, allowing students to complete their coursework on their own schedule. The duration of the program is flexible and can be shortened by earning credits through prior learning.
The estimated annual tuition at UMA is approximately $9,000 for in-state undergraduate students and $17,000 for out-of-state students. Graduate program tuition ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 per year. Students can reduce the overall cost of their education by applying PLA credits. Financial aid options, including scholarships, federal loans, and grants, are available to eligible students.
UMA stands out for its student-focused approach, providing personalized academic advising and support services that help students balance work, life, and education. The opportunity to earn credit for work-life experience allows students to reduce both the time and cost of earning their degree. UMA’s commitment to flexibility and accessibility makes it an excellent choice for adult learners.
About Ranking:
At College Ranker, we understand that choosing the right online college program is crucial for students who want to balance their education with work and life responsibilities. To rank the best online colleges that offer work-life experience credit, we employed a comprehensive methodology, focusing on several key factors:
- Cost: We prioritized affordability to ensure students can pursue their educational goals without excessive financial burden. Programs offering competitive tuition rates or financial aid options were ranked higher.
- Accreditation: Accredited institutions are essential for ensuring a quality education that is recognized by employers and other academic institutions. Only accredited colleges were considered in our rankings to ensure program credibility.
- Online Flexibility: Flexibility is a critical aspect of online learning. We evaluated programs based on how adaptable they are to the varying schedules and responsibilities of students, ensuring they allow for asynchronous learning and a variety of course formats.
- Faculty Expertise: Highly qualified and experienced faculty members were prioritized to ensure students receive top-tier education and support throughout their studies.
By considering these elements, we created a ranking that reflects programs providing high-quality education while accommodating the real-world experience and commitments that many adult learners face.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right online college program is an essential step in achieving your educational and career aspirations. The ability to earn credit for work-life experience can significantly enhance your learning journey, allowing you to leverage your real-world skills while progressing toward your degree. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, affordability, or academic rigor, it’s important to align your program choice with your unique goals and needs.
Take time to explore various programs, considering how each one matches your career ambitions, lifestyle, and financial situation. With the right online program, you can successfully balance education with your professional life, ultimately advancing your career while gaining new knowledge and skills.
