Credit for Prior Learning
A page within Admissions
UWL values the knowledge and skills students gain both inside and outside the classroom. We take a student-centered approach to recognizing, evaluating, and awarding credit for prior learning.
Students may earn credit for university-level learning in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
- Credit by national exam
- Transfer coursework
- UWL administered prior learning assessments
- Military experience and training
- Industry-certified and assessed credentials or licensures
Credit by Exam
UWL awards credit for a variety of standardized exams. To be considered, official transcripts must be sent from the testing organization to Admissions for evaluation.
Course equivalencies based on exam scores are available in the links below.
Retroactive Credit
Students entering UWL with advanced preparation in world languages or mathematics may be eligible to earn retroactive credit. Credit is awarded after successful completion of an advanced-level UWL course with a grade of B or higher.
Learn more:
- Newly admitted students: Contact Admissions at 608.785.8939.
- Continuing students: Contact the Dean's Office of your college or school
Transfer College Credit
UWL accepts transfer credits from regionally or nationally accredited 2- and 4-year institutions.
Important information:
- Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution through a secure electronic service.
- Transfer credit is evaluated based on institutional accreditation, course quality, and applicability to your intended academic program.
- Continuing education, graduate-level, remedial, technical, vocational, and doctrinal courses are not transferable.
For more information, contact our Transfer Admissions Team:
Transfer Credit Report
- First-year students who have taken college courses must submit final transcripts from the issuing institution to receive a transfer evaluation before their first semester.
- Admitted transfer students will receive an official credit evaluation based on the college transcripts required to be submitted during the application process, with the option to appeal.
View your transfer credit evaluation from your WINGS Student Center (in the Academics section, select Transfer Credit: Report).
Transfer Guides
Our general education equivalency guides help you understand how courses from specific institutions transfer to UWL and identify available program-specific transfer agreements.
Other Credit for Prior Learning Options
Military Training & Service
Students at UWL may earn credit for completion of basic training and advanced individual training. Military service school credit may be awarded based on recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE).
The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is used to evaluate transfer credit. Air Force enlisted personnel receive official professional military education transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
Learn more:
- Consult with Admissions or their dean's office to review applicability of awarded credits to their program
- Students should contact Veteran & Military Connection before making determinations regarding prior military credit
Professional Industry Learning
In some disciplines, industry-certified training programs, assessments, or licensures may be eligible for credit toward a student's degree requirements. Credentials must be verifiable and are evaluated by the academic department to determine validity and applicability to a program of study. Additional documentation or assessment may be required.
Learn more:
- For more info or to request a review for potential credit: Contact the dean of your college or school
Undergraduate Catalog
The UWL Undergraduate Catalog serves as your academic guide, outlining policies and requirements. This document is updated on an annual basis. For complete information on how prior learning credit is earned and recorded, refer to the following sections of the catalog:
UWL Admissions
Address
521 East Ave N (GPS address)
1725 State Street (mailing address)
2320 Student Union
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone & Email
608.785.8939 | admissions@uwlax.edu