https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2025/04/24/university-utah-offer-class-credit/

Utah’s flagship school is now offering academic credit for something that many young Utahns, in particular, already do: Serve a religious mission.

In a surprising announcement Wednesday, the University of Utah announced its new plans to expand what is called “prior learning credit” so students will be able to get class credit for both religious work or humanitarian service, such as through the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.

It is a major step for the U., which sits just east of the Salt Lake Temple for the state’s predominant religion — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and has sometimes been seen as being at odds with the faith. But even the church’s sponsored school, Brigham Young University, doesn’t appear to offer the same kind of service credit coming online at the U.
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The article talks about the existing programs for getting foreign language credits via challenge exam, but the above is the meat of the article.

A branch of the University of Maryland (UMGC, which markets to nontraditional students,) offers similar credits for "life experience."

Sadly, Americorps is no more due to funding cuts at the Federal level. I know that Americorps was heavily involved in funding Teach for America educators, so the program which sends teachers into distressed areas will take a strong hit.

Yeah, it's not surprising. The new U Prez. is LDS. And, then the 86% mormon Utah State Legislature has been financially punishing the U. for issues and educational offerings that they don't like. It's nothing but strong-arm coercion that wouldn't be accepted in any other State but Utah.
Plus, equating 2 years of arrogant kids, knocking on doors and pestering neighbors in suburban Colorado, is nowhere close to doing two tours as a marine in Afghanistan. It's an insult to compare their service.

That's lowering the value of their degrees, IMO.
Maybe they should give credit for earning boy scout badges too.

Your spot on.

I worked my ass off through study, showing up, and scheduling my life around when classes were available. All this while raising a family and maintaining 2 jobs and a mortgage.

Now you get a pass for going on a mission?

I have to admit that one annoyed me. Hell they do not even have to knock on doors anymore, they are now pushing the internet bit. Maybe some will have the opportunity of doors slammed in your face or some big dude rising up on his toes while getting red in the face. At that point you are thinking your possibly going to die now.

Retroactive???

Taking the German test at BYU got me a full semester worth of classes waived. Add to that AP test credit, and I wiped away a full year from my BYU grad requirements.

Got me out of there fast.