Newman University has announced detailed guidance on transfer credit and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policies for adult learners pursuing bachelor's degrees through its Adult and Professional Studies program. As a private institution, Newman sets its own transfer limits, typically accepting up to 62 credit hours from community colleges toward degree completion. This policy distinguishes Newman from Kansas public universities, which under Kansas Board of Regents rules may accept up to 75 transfer semester hours from community and technical colleges. The announcement clarifies how adult learners with prior college coursework, military training, professional certifications, or workplace experience can maximize credits applicable to their degrees, addressing a common question among returning students seeking efficient pathways to graduation.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/adult-studies
Research from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning shows that adult students who earn CPL are significantly more likely to graduate, with studies documenting improvements of approximately 17 percent or higher in persistence and completion rates. By recognizing college-level learning acquired outside traditional classrooms, Newman's policies reduce the number of courses required for degree completion, lowering tuition exposure and accelerating timelines. The Adult and Professional Studies program offers a reduced tuition rate of $325 per credit hour with waived fees, making the financial benefits of transfer credits and CPL more pronounced for working adults balancing education with career and family responsibilities.
Newman University enables students to demonstrate prior learning through five distinct methods: portfolio assessments that document work-based competencies, standardized exams such as CLEP and DSST, industry certifications, military transcripts evaluated by the American Council on Education, and workplace training programs reviewed by the National College Credit Recommendation Service. Advisors work one-on-one with each student to review their background, identify the most appropriate assessment method, and guide them through the credit evaluation process. This individualized approach respects real-world learning while ensuring that awarded credits align with degree requirements, directly addressing how many credits can apply by validating diverse learning sources beyond the traditional classroom.
The guidance is particularly relevant for military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, professionals holding certifications in fields such as business management or data analytics, employees with corporate training backgrounds, and returning students who paused their education. Newman's Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership serve graduates entering careers in human resources, project coordination, criminal justice, nonprofit management, sales and marketing, educational administration, and other fields where bachelor's degrees are required or preferred. Alumni from the program have advanced into graduate study, social work, law, medical professions, accounting, communication, personal training, and athletic coaching, demonstrating the breadth of career pathways supported by these degree completion options.
Newman's Adult and Professional Studies program emphasizes individually tailored pathways, with advisors determining how many transfer and CPL credits apply to each student's specific degree plan and academic history. The program offers flexibility through accelerated online or traditional on-ground classes, accommodating the schedules of working adults. Faculty and staff provide ongoing support to clarify assignments, navigate credit evaluations, and plan coursework sequences that build on previous learning. This personalized advising ensures that students understand their credit standing from the outset and can make informed decisions about the most efficient route to graduation.
Adult learners and returning students interested in exploring their transfer credit and CPL eligibility are encouraged to contact Newman University's Adult and Professional Studies team for a free or low-cost evaluation. Teresa Wilkerson, Director of Adult and Professional Studies, and her colleagues offer one-on-one guidance to answer individual questions about how many credits will apply based on each student's unique background. Prospective students can reach the team at 316-942-4291 extension 2439 or visit the program page for detailed information on degree options, CPL methods, and next steps toward enrollment.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/