From Life Lessons to College Credits: Finish Your Degree on Your Terms

Say hi to John, 54, who steered a successful healthcare career without a degree. When job requirements shifted, he realized a bachelor’s was his next port of call. With a coach’s guidance and prior learning assessments, John earned credit for years of experience and completed his degree in under two years—without missing a beat at work or home.

Want to finish your degree faster by building on your experience? Let’s talk. You don’t have to start from scratch or sail this journey alone. With the right support, your next opportunity is within reach.

If you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and never finished college, you’re in great company. Many dedicated adults put education on pause for family, work, or life’s curveballs. Now, with a ship’s worth of experience, going back to school may call to you—even if starting over feels like a big wave to face.

Colleges now see the treasure you bring from work, volunteering, and life. Many schools turn your experience into college credit, so you can finish your degree faster and without breaking the bank.

• Feeling “behind” because you didn’t finish college earlier
• Worrying about balancing work, family, and school
• Not wanting to repeat what you already know
• Seeking a degree for career advancement, personal fulfillment, or as a role model for your family

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) programs help you earn credit for what you already know, such as:

• Professional certifications or licenses
• On-the-job training and experience
• Military service
• Volunteer work or community leadership
• Courses taken at other colleges

Schools may offer exams, portfolio reviews, or credits for standardized tests (like CLEP or DSST) to help you showcase your knowledge and skip over material you’ve already mastered.

• Open doors to new opportunities and promotions.
• Achieve a long-held personal goal.
• Inspire your children or others in your community.

Stay shipshape in a changing workforce. A coach can help you:

• Identifying which of your experiences can translate into college credit
• Choosing flexible, adult-friendly degree programs
• Balancing school, work, and life responsibilities
• Setting realistic goals and staying motivated

Ready to plot your next course? Contact us for a friendly conversation about your goals and see how coaching can help you earn your degree faster and with confidence.