Credit for Prior Learning: Unlocking Hidden Potential in Higher Education
Sep 17, 2025How many students walk onto a college campus already carrying years of experience, skills, and knowledge — yet are told to start from scratch?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) flips that narrative. Instead of treating students as blank slates, it recognizes the expertise they’ve already built — whether through work, industry certifications, military service, or community involvement.
Dr. Jennifer Brock has led the development of CPL programs designed to save students both time and money. But more than efficiency, she emphasizes the deeper benefit: confidence. When a student sees their prior efforts recognized on a transcript, it validates their journey and accelerates their momentum.
The research backs it up. Studies by the American Council on Education (ACE), CAEL, and WCET show CPL students graduate at higher rates, with stronger persistence and performance. For institutions, it’s not just an enrollment strategy — it’s a commitment to equity, honoring learning wherever it happens.
For higher education leaders, the question is urgent: What is your institution’s CPL strategy? If you don’t have one, you risk losing students to schools that value their experiences. In an era of shrinking enrollments and growing competition, recognizing prior learning isn’t optional. It’s essential.
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