College Credit for Military Service?

Hey, does serving in the military earn you anything like college credits? Is it automatic or do I have to apply or something?

Hey there! Yes, you're absolutely right. Military service can, in fact, earn you college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, and recommend them for college credits.

The credits aren't automatic though. As a service member, you're given a Joint Services Transcript (JST) which provides a detailed record of your military training and experiences along with ACE's credit recommendations. You will then need to submit this JST to the universities you're applying to.

It's important to note that while ACE provides credit recommendations, it's ultimately up to each individual institution to decide how many, if any, credits they will award based on your military training and experiences. It's best to reach out to the colleges and universities you're interested in to see how they handle ACE recommendations.

Also, remember that the way the credits are allocated could vary. Some might apply towards elective credits, others might meet required courses for specific majors. So, be sure to ask your college how these credits could potentially be applied to your degree. Good luck!