Most U.S. workers are learning new skills at work — but they may be leaving college credits on the table. A new University of Phoenix survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, finds that while 90% of workers are actively developing new skills, nearly half don’t realize that their real-world experience could count toward a degree.
Learning, but Not Earning (Credit)
The survey exposes a striking awareness gap. Forty-five percent of employed Americans don’t believe their work experience can translate into college credit. Among those without a degree, 57% are unaware of that possibility — meaning millions may be missing a faster, cheaper path to higher education.
“Working adults are building skills every day, yet too many assume that starting or returning to school means starting from scratch,” said John Woods, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Phoenix. “Transparent evaluation of eligible experience is needed to help working learners complete degrees more efficiently, reducing both time and cost.”
Credit for Experience: The Missed Opportunity
The process, known as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), evaluates knowledge gained through work, training, or military service for potential college credit. Despite its availability, the concept remains obscure to most working adults.
-
59% doubt that life experience can count toward a degree.
-
46% doubt professional experience can.
-
43% don’t believe professional training courses apply.
-
33% even think previous college coursework can’t transfer.
Younger workers appear even less informed: Half of Gen Z employees don’t realize prior college coursework might still count.
Cost, Time, and Awareness — The Barriers Persist
The findings underscore a deeper challenge facing America’s workforce. While workers are eager to learn, most are doing it on their own dime. More than half (55%) have paid out-of-pocket for training not covered by their employer, and nearly one in four have done so multiple times.
Meanwhile, 72% of workers have turned down professional development opportunities due to cost, time conflicts, or lack of employer support. Among them, cost was cited by 35%, scheduling conflicts by 32%, and lack of support by 18%.
“Institutions can establish a credit mobility culture that helps adult learners understand the value of their earned and lived experience,” said Devin Andrews, Vice President of Admissions and Evaluation at University of Phoenix. “Making students aware of what’s possible early helps them apply more credits and accelerate progress.”
A Call for Smarter Credit Pathways
The survey, conducted online October 14–16, 2025, among 2,084 U.S. adults (including 1,281 employed respondents), highlights a growing disconnect between skill acquisition and academic recognition. In an era of lifelong learning and rising education costs, recognizing work-based learning as academic credit could redefine accessibility and affordability in higher education.
The University of Phoenix hopes to bridge that gap — not by teaching adults new skills, but by showing them that they’ve already earned some.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
