Military Education to College Credits: How Does it Work?

Hello guys! I'm planning on joining the military after high school graduation but I've also been thinking a lot about going to college eventually. So, I've been wondering, is there a way to convert the education and training I'll gain from the military into college credits? If so, how does this conversion process work and what kind of courses or experiences are typically accepted for credit by colleges?

Absolutely. Many higher education institutions recognize the value of military training and experience and award college credits based on those experiences. An important part of this process is the Joint Services Transcript (JST), a document that translates your military experience into civilian language and college credit. Essentially this transcript contains your military occupational training and experience along with standardized test scores.

There are several ways the JST can be applied:

1. Transfer Credits: Each college has its own policy for converting JST recommendations into college credits. Typically, the college's Transfer Credit Office will evaluate your JST and determine how many and what types of credits can be awarded based on your military coursework and experiences.

2. Degree Planning: Many colleges have degree programs designed specifically for military students, with schools taking into account the recommended JST credits to create a more efficient path to obtaining a degree.

3. Lower Costs: Earning college credits through your military training can help lower the overall cost of your college education as fewer courses will need to be completed.

Remember also that many universities are part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, a group of colleges dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families earn degrees. Members of the SOC Consortium agree to accept credits earned through military training, which can help streamline your path to a degree.

It should be noted that the acceptance of military training for college credit is wholly dependent on the individual college or university. While many higher education institutions are supportive of military students and work to incorporate their training into college credits, the number and types of credits awarded can vary significantly between institutions. Therefore, it's crucial to research and communicate with potential schools about their policies regarding military training and experience. Perhaps reach out to the school's Veterans Affairs office or Military Liaison for further guidance.