10 Smart Ways to Get Credit for Prior Learning at WilmU

Already have the knowledge? Wilmington University offers credit for prior learning. 

Many students arrive at WilmU with a plethora of knowledge and skills from previous experiences. It is usually a surprise when they realize that those experiences can turn into academic credits, which means less time and money needed to earn a degree.  

If this sounds too good to be true, then we’ve got great news for you. Whether through college courses, certifications or military experience, your prior learning experiences can work for you.  

10 Paths To Transferring College Credit and Earning Credit for Prior Learning  

1. College courses and credits.
   Have you ever attended another university or community college? If so, you can apply up to 90 academic credits towards a WilmU associate or bachelor’s degree program. In most cases, those credits do not expire, and you can use them to achieve your educational goals. Visit our Credit Transfer Tool to enter your previous courses and degrees for an unofficial transfer credit review. 
2. Standardized tests and exams.
   You studied and took the test; now it’s time to let it work for you! WilmU accepts credit for standardized tests and exams, including Advancement Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST). 
3. Portfolio assessment.
   A portfolio assessment is the review of a collection of materials compiled to demonstrate previous college-level learning (undergraduate) or knowledge obtained after completing a bachelor’s degree (graduate) that is relevant to a student’s degree plan. By submitting your resume and any documents you think will demonstrate your understanding of the material, you open the door to gaining credit and skipping courses to fast-track your degree pathway. 
4. Industry-recognized certifications and licenses.
   At WilmU, we know it takes time and effort to earn certifications and licenses. We value these credentials and accept them as academic credit, including Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), ITF+ Certification, Real Estate Broker License and Project Management Professional (PMP), among others. View our online guide to certifications and work-based trainings for more information. 
5. Military training and experiences.
   Service in the U.S. military provides valuable training and experience. As a Military Friendly^® School, WilmU accepts credit for military training by evaluating transcripts from the Joint Services Transcripts and the Community College of the Air Force. Learn more about military benefits at WilmU.
6. College credit for work experience.
   Another way to earn academic credit is for training and education you have received at your workplace, past or present. WilmU honors credit recommendations decided by organizations like the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) to award students credit for non-traditional college-level learning. 
7. Workplace training.
   Like work-based experience, WilmU awards credit for workplace training such as police academy, first responder and advanced skills training. Workplace training is another way your prior learning experiences help you achieve your educational goals! 
8. Cooperative Education (Co-Op) and Internships
   If you have completed a co-op program or a paid, unpaid, or stipend-only internship, you can earn credit for that experience. These hands-on opportunities provide a better understanding of the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical application, which, in turn, can be applied as academic credit for your degree program. 
9. Delaware Pathways
   Have you completed a Delaware Pathway? These are career-oriented Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs available at select high schools in Delaware. This experience can save you time and tuition while earning your associate or bachelor’s degree at WilmU. By completing a Pathway, you can earn up to 18 academic credits and guaranteed admission to most of our 200+ accredited degree programs. Learn more about applying Delaware Pathway credits to a WilmU degree program. 
10. Pre-College Programs 
    WilmU Pre-College programs provide an opportunity for high-achieving high school students to experience college courses while attending high school. They also provide a way to earn college credit on-site at your high school or at a WilmU location. The Early College Credit program is offered at WilmU locations and online, while the Dual Enrollment program typically occurs directly on the student’s high school campus. Both options are great ways to earn college credit while meeting high school graduation requirements.  

Learn more about how Wilmington University helps you leverage your existing knowledge to complete your undergraduate degree faster and more affordably.