Turning real-world experience into college credit

College of Southern Maryland is a leader in helping students turn their prior learning into college credits. Take recent graduate Ria Robinson, who completed her associate degree in just one year and is on her way towards a career supporting veterans. After serving in the U.S. Navy for more than six years, Robinson shifted her career journey and opted to attend CSM, in part, because of its Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. Robinson has transferred to the University of Maryland Global Campus and aims to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in one year. CSM is a member of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, a national nonprofit organization that supports adult learner success. In fiscal year 2025, 745 CSM students received CPL credits, saving more than $2 million.