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Finish Your Degree Faster & For Less

Save Time & Money with Credit for Prior Learning

The University of Maine at Farmington’s Degree Completion program offers an affordable path to finishing your bachelor’s degree, designed to fit your budget while investing in your future.

You can save time and money by earning credit for what you’ve already learned through work, volunteering, or personal experiences through UMF’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. If you have any prior college credits, we’ll also help you choose a program that maximizes those.

Explore the ways that we can help you save time and money finishing your degree.

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Credit for Prior Learning

UMF awards academic credit to students for demonstrated college-level learning gained through work and life experiences. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) recognizes the knowledge and skills you’ve developed outside the traditional classroom and applies them toward your degree. Experiences such as:

  • Working in schools, restaurants, businesses, and other professional settings
  • Caring for a child with special needs or supporting a family member
  • Building creative skills through photography, music, and the arts
  • Helping run a family business or leading a community organization
  • Maintaining trails, advocating for causes, or serving their communities
  • Speaking multiple languages or earning professional certifications, such as CNA training

Gain Credit the Following Ways:

The following credentials have been reviewed and approved for academic credit at UMF. If you’ve completed one or more of these programs, you may be eligible to receive elective or subject-specific credit toward your degree.

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UMF Adult Success Scholarship

These scholarships provide up to $4,000 per year for Maine residents who

  • Have demonstrated financial need on the FAFSA, and
  • Were previously enrolled in a University of Maine school, and
  • Have not been enrolled at University of Maine for at least two semesters, and
  • Are 24 years or older, or
  • 21-23 years old, independent on FAFSA, and are
    • Employed full-time (35 hours per week, or more), or
    • Have dependents other than a spouse.

To apply for the waiver and/or the success scholarship, please complete this application and the FAFSA.

Benefits of Going Back to School

Benefits of going back to school include:

  • Finishing your degree and reaching a long-term goal

  • Expanding career opportunities and increasing earning potential

  • Learning new skills to stay competitive in today’s job market

  • Building confidence through personal growth and achievement

  • Setting a powerful example for family and community

At UMF, we make returning to school manageable with flexible programs and personalized support, helping you balance education with work, family, and life.

Ready to Learn More?

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