New Data Finds Significant Growth of Credit for Prior Learning Programs Among Adult Students and Learners of Color Between 2019-2022

Capella University—the trailblazing online university well-known for its innovative focus on competency-based education and history of serving working adults—released a new outcomes brief on the impact of credit for prior learning (CPL) programs over the course of more than a three-year period. According to internal evaluation data from Capella, the percentage of newly enrolled bachelor’s degree learners receiving CPL increased between 2019 and 2022.

“Too many working adult and parent students remain locked out of economic opportunity simply because many institutions still do not have the capacity to reflect the full breadth and depth of the valuable skills gained on the job, in military service or other informal learning experiences. As a once only parent and veteran who juggled multiple roles while studying, I've experienced this firsthand,” said Dr. Constance St. Germain, president of Capella University. “This is about giving credit where credit is due by transforming lived experiences into valuable academic credentials with real currency in the labor market. The positive impact on students from underrepresented backgrounds is particularly encouraging.”

Research from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) has found that CPL may increase the likelihood to complete college credentials, while improving cost and time savings. According to a WICHE brief, nearly 8 out of 10 surveyed institutions in this country offer some form of CPL.

CPL is the practice of documenting a student’s existing knowledge and skills through written assessments or validation of earned credentials. In exchange, students can receive college credit for their previous learning gained outside of formal instruction. Capella University’s program—designed using rigorous standards created by CAEL—allows students to earn credit when they demonstrate relevant, college-level knowledge gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education, self-instruction, professional certifications and other learning.

The brief provides an interim progress report on the continued success of Capella’s CPL program, highlighting the impact of CPL on outcomes for students of diverse demographics and professional backgrounds. According to data compiled by the university’s analytics team, the percentage of bachelor’s degree learners entering Capella University who receive CPL has continued to grow. In 2019–2020, 9% of new bachelor’s learners received CPL, and in 2021–2022 that rate rose to 11%. During this three-year span, 10% of all new Capella learners enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs received CPL.