Thousands of Utah students are accelerating their path to a degree and saving millions in tuition by earning college credit for real-world experience. In the 2024–25 academic year, 38,277 Utah System of Higher Education students earned 263,037 credits through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), resulting in an estimated tuition and fee savings of nearly $72.2 million.
CPL allows students to translate knowledge and skills gained outside the classroom, including high school coursework validated through standardized subject exams (distinct from concurrent enrollment), military service, employer training and industry certifications, into college credit.
“Credit for Prior Learning helps students graduate sooner and enter the workforce with relevant, real-world skills,” said Amanda Covington, Utah Board of Higher Education chair. “By recognizing various forms of experience as college credit, students are empowered to reach their educational goals faster and with greater flexibility. This initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to innovative solutions that make higher education affordable, accessible and aligned with students’ unique paths.”
Key highlights from the 2024–25 annual report
- Increased Credits Earned: In the 2024–25 academic year, 38,277 students earned 263,037 college credits through prior learning at USHE institutions, representing a 16,909-credit increase over the previous academic year.
- Significant Cost Savings: Students saved an estimated $72.2 million in tuition and fees by earning credit through CPL.
- Technical College Pathways Expanded: In the 2024-25 academic year, 2,519 students earned 16,940 credits for technical college coursework, a significant increase of 1,742 students and 5,175 credits over the prior year.
- Primary Sources of Credit: Most prior learning credits continue to be awarded through national standardized exams such as AP (Advanced Placement), CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), IB (International Baccalaureate) and ACT/SAT scores.
- Other Credit-Earning Methods: Students earned 70,662 credits through military training, third-party certifications, employer-sponsored training, foreign language proficiency examinations, institutional challenge exams, portfolio assessments and technical college coursework.
USHE institutions are expanding CPL opportunities across the state, helping more Utah students turn real-world experience into college credit.