Advance Faster. Pay Less.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Accelerate Your Degree. Honor Your Experience.
At Saint Francis University, we recognize that learning happens in many forms - not just in the classroom.
Our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), offered year-round, lets you earn credit for the real-world experience you've already gained - saving you time and money as you move forward in your degree.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, and Graduate Business Students
- Earn up to 30 undergraduate credits with the Credit for Prior Learning Program through the Division of Professional Studies.
- Earn up to 6 MBA credits and 3 credits toward the MASL or MHRM programs with the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program through Shields School of Business.
Why Credit for Prior Learning?
- Save Time: CPL can help you complete your degree faster by reducing the number of courses you need to take.
- Save Money: By earning credit for what you already know, you avoid paying for classes that cover material you've already mastered.
- Recognize Your Experience: CPL validates the skills and knowledge you've gained through work, training, or service - giving you credit where it's due.
Whether you've been in the workforce, served in the military, completed professional certifications, or gained expertise through other real-world experiences, CPL allows you to turn that experience into progress.
Ready to Earn Credit? Here's How
Credit for Prior Learning is available to all undergraduate students enrolled at Saint Francis University. While not all courses are eligible, final decisions are determined by the academic department and School Dean. The Division of Professional Studies (DPS) coordinates all CPL efforts and maintains a list of approved CPL courses.
There are many ways to pursue CPL:
- Challenge Exam - Prove your knowledge through a faculty-administered exam.
- Petition for Credit - Demonstrate at least 5 years of relevant experience in a specific field that aligns with a course's learning outcomes.
- Military Experience - Provide your official military transcript
- CLEP - Take a standardized exam to potentially waive a specific course. (CLEP is through College Board)
- You may be eligible if you hold certain certifications or licenses. Talk with your advisor about your experience and background to find out if you qualify.
*Students may apply for more than one course and can mix both CPL options.
Getting Started
Follow the steps listed below to see if you qualify, choose your CPL option, and begin the review process with support from the Division of Professional Studies.
*We encourage you to begin the process early, as CPL reviews can take several months.
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- Challenge Exam Assessment Fee: $100, non-refundable
- This fee is paid when the student submits their Challenge Exam Application to DPS.
- Petition for Credit Assessment Fee: $150, non-refundable
- This fee is paid when the student submits the Petition for Credit Application to DPS.
- Posting to Transcript Fee: $50/credit, non-refundable
- This fee is paid only if the student's CPL is approved by a faculty reviewer.
- Challenge Exam Assessment Fee: $100, non-refundable
- This fee is paid when the student submits their Challenge Exam Application to DPS.
- Petition for Credit Assessment Fee: $150, non-refundable
- This fee is paid when the student submits the Petition for Credit Application to DPS.
- Posting to Transcript Fee: $50/credit, non-refundable
- This fee is paid only if the student's CPL is approved by a faculty reviewer.
Connect and Apply
Start by meeting with your academic advisor, success coach, or department chair to discuss your background and determine if CPL is right for you.
Once a course is identified, complete the appropriate application for a Challenge Exam or a Petition for Credit. Associated fees apply and must be submitted at the time of application.
Faculty Review
After your application and payment are received, the Division of Professional Studies will work with the academic department to assign a faculty reviewer to your CPL.
If you're pursuing a Challenge Exam, you'll be contacted to schedule the exam directly with the reviewer. If you're submitting a Petition for Credit, you'll receive the course syllabus and detailed instructions on what to include in your submission and where to send your materials for review.
Assessment & Notification
The faculty reviewer will assess your exam or materials and complete an official evaluation. DPS will notify you of the result.
Transcript Posting (if approved)
If approved, you'll be asked to pay a $50 per credit posting fee. Once paid, DPS will submit the credit to the Registrar for placement on your official transcript.
Questions?
Contact Alicia Turcios Rodriguez
Office Manager, Division of Professional Studies