What are experiential learning credits?
Experiential learning credits are college credits awarded through the evaluation of learning gained by the student, by way of his or her life experiences.

What are the sources of experiential learning credits?
Up to 24 semester hours of college credit can be awarded to a student who can validate that knowledge gained through life experience is college-level. Credit is not granted for the experience, but for the knowledge gained by means of experience. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) lists eight major categories of experiences that may yield learning that qualifies for college credit in non-traditional degree programs:

1.Work, including military
2.Homemaking
3.Volunteer work
4.Non-credit courses (i.e. workshops, seminars, inservices)
5.Travel
6.Recreation
7.Hobbies
8.Independent reading, viewing, and/or listening and conversations with experts

How and when is credit awarded?
Experiential learning credit is awarded when the evaluator is satisfied that the documentation provided gives evidence of college-level learning. Credits can then be officially recorded on the student’s transcript any time after successful completion of the first four courses of P.A.C.E..
How may I use experiential learning credits?
Credits may be applied to either satisfy general education requirements or elective credits. They cannot, however, be used in place of any of the twelve P.A.C.E. courses.
What is the deadline for applications for experiential learning credit?
Students are encouraged to submit preliminary proposals prior to beginning P.A.C.E. course work. It is recommended that all proposals are in before the end of Term One. In order to participate in the graduation ceremonies, all requests for experiential learning credit MUST be submitted by the appropriate deadline (April 1st for May commencement, August 25th for September commencement).
What assistance does P.A.C.E. provide?
The Graduation Advisors and periodic workshops guide students through the process of: (1) identifying those areas which may warrant college credit, (2) gathering any necessary documentation to support requests for credit, and (3) writing experiential learning essays.
What is the cost?
A special tuition rate is charged for the assessment of experiential learning credits (see Costs, Aid and  Payment page). This charge will be applied to your account when the credits are added to your transcript. Note: There is a flat $35 assessment fee if credits are not awarded for a proposal.

Houghton College P.A.C.E. Program
810 Union Road
West Seneca, NY 14224
(716) 674-6363 or 1-888-874-PACE
Send questions and comments to: pace@houghton.edu