How do Colleges Accept Military Credits?

Hey there, hoping to continue my education after the service. What are the general protocols for colleges to accept credits earned during military service?

Hello! Indeed, many colleges and universities will award academic credit for your education, training, and experience in the military. Here's a general idea of how it typically works:

1. Transfer Credits: Your military training, coursework, and job specialty can give you college credits. These credits are determined by the American Council on Education (ACE), which provides guidelines for colleges to follow when considering these experiences for credit. However, these guidelines are just that - guidelines. It's up to each school to decide whether and how much credit to award.

2. Joint Services Transcript (JST): In the United States, the JST is a consolidated record of all your professional military education, training, and operation experience. This transcript is recognized by over 2,300 colleges and universities nationwide and is typically what you would submit to the school for them to evaluate for potential credit. The JST replaces older forms of documentation like the AARTS, SMART, and CGI.

3. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): You may also have earned credits through the CLEP or DSST exams, which are free to military personnel and are accepted by over 2,900 colleges and universities. They allow you to earn college credit for knowledge you have gained through your military training and experiences.

4. Degree requirements: It's important to note that while many schools may award academic credit for these experiences, the way each school applies these credits to a degree program can vary considerably. Some schools may use the credits only for elective courses, while others may apply them to major requirements. Be sure to check with the specific institution for the most accurate and personalized advice.

Remember, every institution has unique policies and procedures for evaluating and awarding military credits, so you should reach out to the college's transfer adviser or admissions office for specific information.

In conclusion, transitioning from military service to higher education can be a smooth process if you're proactive about understanding how your military experience can translate into academic credits. Best of luck with your continued education!