Prior Learning
ECPI University recognizes that students arrive at our institution with diverse backgrounds and varied experiences with prior learning. Upon enrollment at ECPI University, students are encouraged to submit all relevant documentation relating to prior learning for review and consideration of credit towards the student’s program completion. ECPI University has established the following policies and procedures to ensure that all prior academic experience is evaluated appropriately for eligible University prior learning credit opportunities.
Undergraduate students may transfer up to a total of 75% of the credits required for their degree program from all combined sources of prior learning. A maximum of 25% of the credits required for their degree program may be earned through Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment and ECPI Challenge Exams. ECPI University requires that a student complete a minimum of 25% of their program of study at the University in order to receive the degree or diploma.
Students interested in submitting documentation of prior learning should review the policies and procedures for each type of prior learning listed below. All prior learning credit must be approved before the end of the student’s first semester.
Types of Prior Learning Credit
Transfer of Credit Procedures. Applicants should discuss all previous experience and training with an advisor during the Admissions Interview. During the enrollment process, applicants will complete a Request for Official Transcript form for each prior institution attended and submit all relevant documentation relating to prior learning for review and consideration of credit towards the student’s program completion. The University will assist applicants with requesting transcripts from all prior institutions that allow third-party requests. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the University’s receipt of official transcripts within a student's first semester and any related fees required by the issuing institutions. Once official transcripts are received, an evaluation will be completed to determine the application of transfer credit towards the student’s program. Applicants are notified once an evaluation is complete and will receive a Transfer Credit Evaluation notification.
Transferability of Credit. ECPI University does not guarantee acceptance of credits from or to other institutions and evaluates credit based on standards set and approved by academic program leadership. If transfer credit is awarded, credit is posted to the student’s official record accordingly, which may shorten the program length.
Financial Aid Implications of Transfer Credit. Students who are eligible to receive Prior Learning Credit may experience one or more terms in which the student’s status, for the purposes of financial aid, may change, and the corresponding amount of financial aid may be reduced due to the decreased number of hours scheduled. Students should discuss the potential financial aid implications of Prior Learning Credit with a financial aid advisor.
Veterans Administration Benefits. ECPI University campuses are approved for training of veterans and eligible veterans’ dependents. Each student who is eligible for and desires to receive veterans’ educational benefits must provide ECPI with the student's military discharge document DD214 or Certificate of Eligibility prior to their first scheduled class. Students receiving veteran’s benefits have the responsibility to provide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions for the evaluation of transfer credit within their first semester. Classes determined to be eligible for transfer from previous institutions are ineligible for certification. Students receiving veterans’ benefits will be responsible for any costs associated with completing a course determined to be ineligible for certification. Applicants should contact each campus directly for further information.
The University maintains a written record of prior education and/or training of veterans and eligible persons. Appropriate credit will be granted for prior education and/or training, with the current education/training period shortened proportionately. The University notifies the student regarding the credit granted and the amount of time the education/training period has been decreased according to the amount of credits awarded. The prior learning credit evaluation is made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs, upon request.