Maximizing the Noncredit Pathway
Credit vs. Noncredit: What's the Difference?
NONCREDIT
- Cost: Free, no tuition
- Enrollment: Open enrollment, no prerequisites
- Pacing: Faster programs (many finish in 4 months)
- Goal: Job-ready skills & certificates
- Grading: Pass / No Pass
CREDIT
- Cost: Standard enrollment fees apply
- Enrollment: May require placement tests/prerequisites
- Pacing: Traditional semester schedule (16 weeks)
- Goal: Earn college units toward associate degrees/transfers
- Grading: Letter grades (A–F)
Transition to Credit: Your noncredit certificate gives you a head start. Through articulation agreements, courses completed in Continuing Education may count toward credit certificates or degrees at Santa Ana College.
Dual Enrollment: You can take both noncredit and credit classes at the same time. Build job skills with us while earning your degree at SAC.
For more information, check out the links below.
Have Questions?
Learn more about CPL at Santa Ana College
Or contact Student Services Coordinator Rosa Villalpando