The Utah System of Higher Education released its annual report on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) today, an initiative designed to reduce time to graduation and lower college costs for Utah students. CPL enables students to earn credit toward a degree for knowledge and skills acquired outside a traditional college environment, including advanced academic studies in high school, employer training, volunteer work, humanitarian, religious and military service and more.
During the 2023-24 academic year, more than 30,000 students participated in the initiative, resulting in an estimated $60.2 million in tuition and fee savings.
“Credit for Prior Learning helps students graduate sooner and enter the workforce with relevant, real-world skills,” said Jon Cox, Utah Board of Higher Education vice 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 2023-24 report
- Increased Credits Earned: In the 2023-24 academic year, 34,490 students earned 246,128 college credits through prior learning at USHE institutions, representing a 13,185-credit increase over the previous academic year.
- Significant Cost Savings: Students saved an estimated $60.2 million in tuition and fees by earning credit through CPL.
- Primary Sources of Credit: Most prior learning credits were awarded through national standardized exams such as AP (Advanced Placement), CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and IB (International Baccalaureate).
- Other Credit-Earning Methods: Students earned 58,158 credits through military training, third-party certifications, employer-sponsored training, foreign language proficiency examinations, institutional portfolio assessments, institutional challenge exams and technical college coursework.
Furthering this initiative, the University of Utah and Utah Valley University recently highlighted their Credit for Prior Learning offerings. UVU expanded options in areas such as business, marketing, criminal justice and construction management, while the U of U recognized humanitarian work and military and religious missionary service for its leadership and skill development as part of a broader effort to value real-world experience and accelerate student progress toward degrees.
