FRCC waives fees to help students earn credit for their previous learning and expertise.
Students at FRCC can earn college credit for their outside training and experience without stepping foot in a classroom. They can take what they’ve learned in previous work or life experiences and put that knowledge to work toward a degree or certificate.
“Throughout their lives, most people learn a lot outside of a traditional academic environment,” said Dean Debra Throgmorton. “We can help them get closer to earning a college credential by formally evaluating and recognizing their expertise.”
Credit for Prior Learning
Students who earn credit for prior learning finish college faster because they don’t have to take classes in the subjects they’ve already mastered. On average, they save between $1,600 and $6,000 in the process—and a lot of time and effort as well.
Students who apply for and earn credit for prior learning are more likely to complete a college credential than students who don’t. FRCC students can earn credit for knowledge or skills that they’ve acquired through:
- Work and life experiences
- On-the-job training
- Community and volunteer extension courses
- Military training
- Individual study and reading
- Civic, community and volunteer work
- Participation in informal courses and training sponsored by associations, businesses, government, or industry
Increasing Equity
“By waiving the fees, we’re aiming to provide this option to all students more equitably,” said Throgmorton. “Our goal is to increase students’ access to earning credit for prior learning.”
Fees are Waived Through April
FRCC evaluates a student’s prior knowledge or skills to see if they qualify for college credit. The evaluation can be done through an exam or portfolio demonstrating applicable knowledge. Students who show they’ve mastered the subject matter are granted college credit for their knowledge.
This assessment process usually has a cost associated with it—although the fee is always significantly lower than it costs to take an entire college course. But starting November 15, applying for credit for prior learning at FRCC is free.
“Now is the best possible time to seek credit for your prior learning since the fees will be waived starting next week through April 30, 2023,” according to Instructional Dean Debra Throgmorton. A Colorado Community College System grant has enabled FRCC to temporarily waive these fees for all students.
Learn More About PLA—and Apply for FREE
What:
Credit for Prior Learning
When:
November 15
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where:
Join us online with the link above!
During this event, you will hear from a core group of advisors and faculty who will provide all the information you need and answer any questions you may have.
Register now to learn about this excellent opportunity to get a head start on your degree.
