Transform Military Service into College Credit - How?

Hi guys, I'm keen to go into college but I've spent a few years in the military. I've heard you can convert military service to college credit. Does anyone know how this works? Any help in understanding the process would be a lifesaver!

Hi there! You're correct, many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit for military training and experience. These credits can sometimes save you semesters of coursework and therefore tuition. Here's a brief explanation of how the process typically works:

1. Your first step should be to obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST) if you served in the Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard. This document provides a detailed record of your military occupational experience and training history, along with American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations. This transcript is recognized by most institutions and is a tangible demonstration of your military learning. For the Air Force or Space Force, you would submit a request on the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) website.

2. Once you have your JST or CCAF, you can then submit it to the college or university you're interested in attending. The institution's admissions office or prior learning assessment department will typically review your JST/CCAF and determine how much if any, credit they can give you for your military service.

3. Do note that it's up to each institution to make the final decision on what credit to offer. Some may be more generous than others, and it can be worth your time to shop around a bit and ask different schools about their policies if you're not tied to a particular institution.

4. Keep in mind that some of these credits might fall under elective credits rather than counting directly toward your major requirements. This depends on the specific programs in question and how your military training aligns with the program's curriculum.

Remember, just like other forms of transfer credit, part of the benefit will be to potentially shorten your time to a degree, but also to recognize and value the experiences and skills you've gained in your military service. Best of luck with your college journey!