Getting College Credits for Military Service

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm interested in enlistment. I heard that military service can count toward some college credits. How does that work exactly?

Hi there,

Indeed, it's true that you can earn college credit for your military training and experience. This can potentially shorten your time in college and save you money on tuition costs. Here's how it works.

Each branch of the military has a system for translating military training into college credits. For instance, the Army uses a system called the Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS). Navy and Marine personnel would use the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART). The Air Force has the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) which provides transcripts for its members. All of these systems take your military training and convert it into equivalent college credits.

These credits are evaluated and granted by the American Council on Education (ACE), which reviews military training and occupations to determine their equivalent college credits. Once the ACE gives a course or job a credit recommendation, it's up to each individual college to decide whether they will accept those credits, and what kind of credit they'll offer (elective, general education, or even credits towards your major).

When you're ready to go to college, you request your military transcript and submit it to your college as part of your application. The college admissions office will then evaluate your military transcript just like any other transfer credit, and they'll let you know which credits they can accept.

It's important to note that not all colleges might accept all military credits, and the transfer policies can vary widely between institutions. To make the most out of your military experience and training, you'll want to research schools that are military-friendly or have specific programs in place to recognize and credit military training.I hope this gives you a clearer picture of how you can turn your military service into college credits!