Waldorf University recognizes the value of learning that happens everywhere—not just inside the classroom. We can help you translate your experiences and training into academic success so you can make the most of the knowledge and unique skills you already have.

Our Academic Credit for College Equivalent Learning (ACCEL) program helps students with experience in the workplace and non-college-sponsored training programs convert expertise into academic college credit when that experience meets the course learning objectives that are set for classroom courses.

The ability to earn college credit for prior learning is decided by the program director or Waldorf ACCEL committee members who evaluate your prior learning and work experience to establish its college-level equivalency. This process allows you to receive transfer credit toward the completion of your chosen degree program.

Through ACCEL, we make sure you can leverage credit for prior learning to earn the associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree you want from Waldorf University.

Which College Credits will Transfer?

The fair prior-learning assessments we conduct through the ACCEL program recognize the value of your earned experiences and capitalize on the large investments that you have made toward higher education.

These earned experiences could include: 

• Experiential learning opportunities
• Military training and service
• Professional certificates, credentials, and degrees
• Technical training
• Volunteer experiences
• Workplace experience and occupational skills

Credit for Prior Learning: Earn Your Degree Faster

ACCEL helps you reduce the amount of time you need to spend earning credits to complete your degree program. This offers you the potential for cost savings, less debt, and faster entry into the workforce.

By dedicating less time to earning your degree, you can spend more time focused on the career path you want to pursue, whether it’s criminal justice, fire science, psychology, cybersecurity or another one of our 120+ degree programs.

How the ACCEL Program Works

If you plan to apply for ACCEL credit for prior learning, you must first complete the Waldorf admissions  process. From there, you will follow these steps:

• Contact the Registrar to find an ACCEL advisor who teaches an equivalent course. 
  • assistantregistrar@waldorf.edu 
  • 877-267-2157 ext. 6535
• Gather the portfolio materials you need based on what the ACCEL advisor tells you.
• Complete the required documentation about your experiences and await preliminary approval from the ACCEL advisor.
• Receive a portfolio review from a temporary committee composed of the Registrar, the ACCEL advisor, and another faculty member of the department from which the college credit is requested. 

If the experience is approved, then college credit will be given.

There is a fee of $50 per course for the credit to be placed on your transcript.

Does Transfer Credit Equivalency Count?

Students sometimes decide to transfer from one college or university to another. When deciding to attend a new institution, it’s important to verify which college credits will transfer with you.

In addition to training and work experiences, we also take transfer credit equivalency into account. Based on academic quality, grades, and specific coursework completed, we will work with you to determine which previously earned college credits can transfer to Waldorf University—whether you earned a degree at the previous institution or not.

Through our transfer credit equivalency program, we allow for the transfer of up to 75% of undergraduate course credit and up to 50% of graduate course credit.