Military colleges in California?

As a Californian, I'm wondering what options I have for military colleges within my state. It would be great to stay close to home while continuing my education after the service.

Certainly! California does have several military-oriented colleges and institutions where you can continue your education while staying close to home.

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) located in Monterey, California, is a higher education institution that offers post-bachelor's degree programs to both military and civilian students. The NPS provides high-quality graduate-level education and research programs with the aim of increasing the combat effectiveness of the United States and allied armed forces and enhancing the security of the United States.

The Defense Language Institute (DLI), also based in Monterey, is the military language school of the U.S. Department of Defense. While it doesn't offer traditional collegiate programs, it does provide extensive training in a number of languages, which could be a great asset depending on your career aspirations in the military.

Another institution would be the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) located in Vallejo. It is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States. The academy offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and prepares students for careers in the maritime industry, government service, military duty, and other sectors.

It's worth noting that these institutions may require a commitment to serving in the military after graduation and/or other specific eligibility criteria. As such, it's important to research thoroughly and discuss your options with a counselor or advisor familiar with military education paths. This way, you can ensure that the path you choose aligns with your personal and career goals.

Remember, many non-military universities and colleges in California also have robust ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) programs, which provide military training alongside traditional college education. Participating in an ROTC program can be another great way to balance your desire for higher education with your commitment to serving in the military.