College Credit for Work and Life Experience

Enroll in a College Credit for Work Experience Course and You Could Save Nearly $11,000 on Tuition

See Notes and Condtions below for important information.

If you’ve worked for years or served in the military, you may be eligible to use your experience for college credit to finish your undergraduate degree faster at Purdue Global.

You could also be awarded college credits for life experience such as volunteering. Our courses teach you how to articulate and organize your achievements into an online portfolio that's ready to be assessed for undergraduate credit applicable toward a degree at Purdue Global.


See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Assessment Credit Portfolio

Assessment credit may be awarded for learning directly assessed by University faculty via an Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) exam or experiential learning portfolio. Credit for work experience courses provide access to a mentor to help you navigate the process. There is a $1,500 portfolio evaluation fee, which may be covered by financial aid.

If your portfolio earns credits valued below the $1,500 assessment fee, you will receive a tuition grant equal to the difference toward the next term of your Purdue Global degree (up to the entire $1,500).

View Experiential Learning Credit Grant terms and conditions.

How Much Can You Save?

On average, portfolio submitters earn 33 credits and save nearly $11,000 on tuition.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

What Our Students Have to Say

I was able to complete a portfolio, which gave me 26 extra credits. By then, I was well on my way to obtaining my BSN.

 

Lucy Stewart

BS in Nursing Graduate

Testimonial(s) obtained by Purdue Global. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

Credit for Experience Course Options

See which of our two online courses could be the right fit for you. Access our calculator to find out in a few quick clicks.

LRC 100: Pathway to College Credit—Portfolio Development

This not-for-credit course is for students who haven’t yet started classes at Purdue Global, or are enrolled in an ExcelTrack® program.

There is no tuition for this self-paced, self-directed online course offered through Purdue Global. However, there is a fee if you choose to submit your portfolio for prior learning credit.

EL 206: Academic Prior Learning Portfolio

This 6-credit online course is for undergraduate students who have already started classes at Purdue Global.


Current tuition rates apply. Review the prior learning portfolio course FAQs for more information.

LRC100: A minimum 5+ years of work experience is recommended for taking this course to better ensure you have eligible work experience.

How Is My College Credit for Work Experience Portfolio Evaluated?

A key criterion in Purdue Global’s evaluation of your portfolio is your ability to organize and present verifiable evidence of college-level learning through proper documentation. You must also include a narrative that explains the rationale for the claim for credit.

Supporting documentation may include:

  • Job description and performance evaluations
  • Certifications (evidence of licenses, training records, ranks)
  • Work samples such as computer code, lesson plans, or proposals
  • Description of the work environment
  • Verification of knowledge, skills, and abilities by a supervisor or employer
  • Other appropriate forms of documentation verifying learning

You must document the fulfillment of course outcomes, based on chosen courses, and follow the portfolio development and assessment process. Learn which courses are ineligible for work experience credit.

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Credit for Work Experience Calculator

Find out in a few quick clicks if our credit-for-work experience courses are right for you.








Tell Us About Yourself

Enter your contact information to view your score.

Your Results

After evaluating your answers, we have determined your score below:

75% - 100%
EXCELLENT

You are most likely an excellent candidate for our credit-for-work experience courses. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

50% - 74%
GOOD

You may be a good candidate for our credit-for-work experience courses. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

25% - 49%
FAIR

It is unclear if our credit-for-work experience courses are right for you. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

0% - 24%
POOR

It is unlikely you can benefit from our credit-for-work experience courses at this time.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

Credits for Experience: Credits are not guaranteed through this process. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy. Credits awarded apply toward a Purdue Global undergraduate program.

Work/Life Experience Credit Savings: In 2021–2022, incoming Purdue Global students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for evaluation earned an average of 33 quarter credit hours toward their Purdue Global undergraduate degrees. Based on these experiential learning credits, tuition savings for nonmilitary students were on average $10,743.00. Tuition savings calculated as 33 quarter credit hours x standard tuition rate of $371.00 = $12,243.00 - $1,500.00 course fee = $10,743.00. Savings for students vary depending on the student's individual prior learning experience. Savings for 2021–2022 incoming Indiana students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for review were $9,700.00. Savings for 2021–2022 incoming military students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for review ranged from $3,945.00 to $6,090.00. Eligible college credits articulate into Purdue Global undergraduate degree plans. Savings dependent on credit awards, which are dependent on individual circumstances. See University Catalog for Prior Learning policy. See www.purdueglobal.edu/tuition-financial-aid/undergraduate-graduate-tuition-and-fees/ for course fee refund policy. Source: Purdue Global School of General Studies, October 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.