Transferability of Military Credits to Colleges

I've got a question for anyone who might know. Say, hypothetically, I've been in the military and earned some credits there. If I want to go to college afterward, can those military credits be transferred and count toward my degree?

Absolutely, in many cases, military training and experiences can indeed be converted into college credits. This can be a great way to leverage your military service for academic advancement.

However, it's important to understand the specifics. The American Council on Education (ACE) plays a key role in determining the academic equivalents of military training. They review various military courses and occupations to suggest equivalent college credits. Your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript will provide a record of your military experiences alongside corresponding ACE credit recommendations.

Now, it's crucial to remember that ultimately, the decision to award credits lies with the specific college or university. ACE merely provides recommendations, and different institutions may adopt different policies when it comes to evaluating and awarding these credits. Some may award plenty of credit for military training, while others may award little or none. Certain schools may apply credits towards elective requirements, or specific degree or course requirements.

At the end of the day, it's best to reach out to the admissions office or registrar of the specific colleges you're interested in. They can provide the most accurate and comprehensive information based on their credit evaluation policies. You should also consider working with a certified academic advisor who is familiar with both military training credits and the specific field of study you're interested in pursuing in college. They can help you map out the best educational path based on your previous experiences and future aspirations.

So while it's definitely possible to transfer military credits to a college, and it's an option worth exploring, the specifics will vary based on your unique circumstances and the colleges you're considering.