Credit for Prior Learning

You’ve gained real knowledge through work, service, and life. Aquinas College recognizes that learning happens beyond the classroom and gives you a transparent pathway to turn that experience into academic credit.

Up to 24 Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credit hours may be added to your transcript as CR (Credit). These credits can fulfill general education, major, minor, or elective requirements, but they do not affect your cumulative GPA. CPL credits do not count toward residency requirements.

Credit for Prior Learning form

 

What qualifies for CPL?

Four pathways to credit

Aquinas evaluates prior learning that demonstrates alignment with at least 80% of a course's learning outcomes. Here's what we recognize for professional experience credits:

• Corporate and workplace training
  Formal training verified through completion certificates, syllabi, or employer documentation.
• Industry certifications
  Valid, current professional certifications aligned to Aquinas courses. Pre-approved catalog available.
• Military experience
  Verified training documented on a Joint Services Transcript (JST), evaluated per ACE recommendations.
• Professional experience
  Documented work or community engagement demonstrating college-level learning. Requires at least one year of relevant experience.

Additional Transfer Credit Opportunities

These credits can fulfill general education, major, minor, or elective requirements, but they do not affect your cumulative GPA.

• Previous exam credits
  Scores from qualifying exams such as CLEP, DSST, and AP, as listed in the Academic Catalog. (Aquinas accepts up to 90 college transfer credits, including up to 30 credits earned from qualifying exams.)
• College transfer credits
  If you have previously attended college and earned credits, many of them may be transferable. Aquinas College accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Our advisors will review your official transcripts and help you maximize the credit you’ve already earned. To get an idea of how your credits will transfer, check out the Michigan Transfer Agreement or the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Credit Predictor. 

 

What you’ll need to submit

If you're requesting credit for professional or community experience, gather the following before you apply.

• Résumé summarizing relevant professional, military, or community experience
• Narrative (1–2 pages) describing how your direct work experience maps to each course learning outcome for which credit is requested
• Supporting evidence such as job descriptions, project summaries, professional reports, awards, or letters of verification from employers or supervisors
• Optional additions such as records of professional development, leadership roles, or measurable outcomes

 

The application process

1. Consultation
   Review your eligibility with the Registrar’s Office staff and discuss which documentation you’ll need for your specific prior learning.
2. Application
   Complete the Credit for Prior Learning Application Form and attach all supporting materials. A $50 nonrefundable processing fee applies at this stage.
3. Evaluation
   A team from Aquinas will review your submission for outcome alignment and course equivalency.
4. Credit awarded and transcripted
   Upon approval, the Registrar records a “CR” grade on your transcript. A $100 per credit hour transcription fee is charged at this point.

If your application is denied, you may appeal within 30 business days by submitting additional documentation to the Registrar.

 

Fees at a glance

What to budget for:

$50 - Nonrefundable processing fee, paid at the time of application
$100 - Per credit hour transcription fee, charged upon approval

 

Ready to get started?

Contact the Registrar’s Office to schedule your consultation and review your documentation options.