College Credit for Prior Learning

Obtain credit for your experience

Students often bring extensive experience to college courses. At Davenport, we offer Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) where students can earn college credit for valuable experience. Whether it’s through transfer college credits, previous work experience, military service, on-the-job training or community participation, CPL can save students time — and money — in the pursuit of a college degree. Turning experience into credits is easier with Davenport. 

Save time and money on a Davenport degree 

Davenport University simplifies the college funding process with the PantherPath Credit Predictor Tool. Just answer 8 quick questions in 3 minutes to receive an estimate of time and tuition savings for your degree. Start saving today 

^*This tool provides an estimate of savings based on the information you provide. Your actual savings will be determined after you meet with a team member and schedule your courses. Transfer credit will be determined by the Registrar’s office through an analysis of prior coursework. 

How can I obtain college credit? 

Academic credit may be available for a course when a member of the Davenport University faculty or staff reviews your prior learning experience or you successfully complete an assessment detailing college-level learning you've gained. 

Simply schedule an appointment with our admissions team to begin this process.

What can I obtain credit for?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Davenport offers course credit if you've gained college-level learning through your career and personal experience — whether in a job-related activity, community participation or specialized training. PLAs are typically reserved for higher-level coursework (300- to 400-level courses) where a standardized competency exam does not already exist. 

Transfer/articulation credits 

Whether you're transferring from a community college or another four-year program, at Davenport, we generously accept up to 90 transfer credits. This includes articulated credits earned during high school through a dual enrollment program or AP coursework. We also offer an A2B program, which can turn your associates degree into a bachelor's degree with just 60 more credits. 

Testing

Davenport awards credit when you achieve a passing score on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests), Advanced Placement, and Credit by Exam programs or approved national certification exams.

Professional certifications/licenses

Credit may be granted when you receive applicable professional certifications/licenses. Your admissions rep or advisor can help guide you through this process. 

Military experience 

As a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) participant, Davenport awards credit for nontraditional learning activities by evaluating military training and experience. Military students may receive credit for experience including career, personal, job-related and community participation. 

Active duty personnel may take approved tests for college credit at no cost, and veterans may be reimbursed for approved tests through VA funding. 

Military credit is assigned by the American Council on Higher Education (ACE). Click here for a guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Davenport also awards advanced standing credit which may not have been evaluated by ACE.

Corporate/non-collegiate training

Credit may also be granted for educational programs sponsored by non-collegiate organizations including labor, government, business, associations or private training organizations. 

Please note: Credit for Prior Learning Assessment options are also available for students in Davenport's graduate degree programs. 

Schedule an appointment with our admissions team today to discuss your prior experience and learn how you can get to the career you envision faster with Davenport. 

Schedule here